Easter is always a wonderful time of year, I always enjoy coming back from Parliament for the easter recess, driving along the main road in Ryton to see the trees blossom, with the darker nights a thing of the past. I’m sure it gives all of us excitement for the summer ahead.
I am particularly excited this Easter due to the work the government has been doing in Parliament. Since entering Westminster in 2017, I have heard from countless constituents about bad employment practices. This is not every business, but sadly, too many employees have been let down by their bosses over the years.
It is the heritage of the Labour movement to stand up for workers, make sure they are represented and give people security in their jobs, along with fair pay and satisfaction. Before entering parliament, I worked for the trade union UNISON. The value of work has always been close to my heart, and I have been a lifelong campaigner for better working conditions. It is for that reason that I am a Labour MP working with a Labour Government.
This April, I am pleased to finally see the Employment Rights Act become law in the UK.
The Conservatives neglected workers. I am sure we can all remember the fire and rehire practices of P&O Ferries, the collapse of Arcadia, leaving thousands without their pensions or even the endless stories of abusive zero-hour contracts at retailers like Sports Direct.
This is what the Labour government has set out to change. Employment rights have long needed an upgrade to keep pace with the modern world. By bringing the UK’s outdated employment laws into the 21st century and making work pay, we’re turning the tide on the Conservatives’ record of insecurity, unproductivity, low pay and decline. This will deliver for everyone in work.
From 6th of April, historic measures introduced by Labour’s Employment Rights Act come into force, including day one rights for paternity and unpaid parental leave, strengthened statutory sick pay, and enhanced protections for workers who ‘blow the whistle’ on sexual harassment.
This is alongside changes to the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage.
From 1st of April, an estimated 2.7 million workers across the country will take home more money than before, due to significant increases to the National Minimum Wage and Living Wage delivered by this Labour Government.
We are committed to ensuring the lowest paid workers across the North East will take home hundreds more pounds each year, with increases of £900 for full-time workers on the National Living Wage and £1500 for the National Minimum Wage. Alongside this, young people will also benefit as 18–20-year-olds, 16–17-year-olds, and apprentices also see rises to £10.85, £8, and £8 per hour respectively.
This month marks a new era for British businesses, too. On the 7th of April, the Fair Work Agency will bring together key labour market enforcement functions into a single body, ending fragmentation and creating a more joined-up system.
That means stronger protection for vulnerable workers, clearer enforcement, and a fairer environment for many businesses that do the right thing. The Agency will also take on responsibility for enforcing the National Minimum Wage, with HMRC continuing to deliver that work in the first year to ensure continuity during the transition.
All of this underpins this governments action to tackle the cost of living. This comes alongside a raft of measures, such as freezing prescriptions and rail fares for a year, capping bus fares at £2.50 in our region and giving people £117 off their energy bills.
The Government will also keep further measures under review as we await seeing the challenges that the escalation in the Middle East will bring to our shores. However, the commitment of this government is to act and help those who need it most. I will be supportive of further measures to tackle energy and petrol prices.
Entering spring always uplifts our spirits, but bringing in a raft of employment measures that will benefit over 18 million working people across the UK gives me excitement beyond that, in a government that is tackling the issues of today.