Angela Rayner has pledged to “make work pay” and as she visits Glasgow today. Labour’s Deputy Prime Minister pledged to “create a more modern, healthier and productive workforce” ahead of visiting printing firm McAllister Litho and defence firm BAE Systems.
She is promoting the UK Labour Government’s Employment Rights Bill on her visit.
Rayner said: “This is a government on the side of Scottish workers. Our landmark plan to Make Work Pay has already delivered one of the biggest pay boosts on record – and it is working people in Scotland who will benefit the most.
“Our Employment Rights Bill will make work pay in Scotland and tackle the insecurity, inequality and low pay that have held back workers and businesses for too long.
“We know there is business appetite to get going with our reforms and create a more modern, healthier and productive workforce – with businesses like McAllister Litho already leading the way.”
The UK Government says its Bill will give roughly 100,000 Scots on zero hour contracts new protections at work. It also said percentage of workers on zero hours contracts in Scotland has more than doubled since 2013, with figures showing Central Scotland will see the biggest boost of any region of the UK from key measures..
It comes after the Government brought in a record pay boost to both the national minimum and living wages. These increases will see a boost of £1,400 a year for an eligible full-time worker and a record rise of £2,500 for 18 to 20-year-olds in full time work. From April, over 100,000 workers in Scotland will start to see these major uplifts to their income.
General Secretary at the Scottish Trades Union Congress Roz Foyer said: “The Employment Rights Bill, if fully enacted, can be the biggest upgrade in workers’ rights seen for a generation. Empowering workers to take a role in the setting of shifts and working hours is a win-win, boosting worker satisfaction and productivity .
“We look forward to working with the UK Government, unions and employer organisations to ensure every worker from every nation has these same rights and same sense of empowerment.”
Managing Director at McAllister Litho, Janette McAllister said: “Flexibility has always been part of our ethos, our team has the freedom to structure their shifts within our factory’s operational hours, ensuring a balance that works for them while meeting business needs.
“As Managing Director, I’m proud of the trust and collaboration this creates, it’s what makes us a successful and people focused business. As I often say, “We’re a team, and when we support each other, everyone benefits.”
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