08Jun 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani
A workers’ watchdog without new funding won’t make a real difference

A workers’ watchdog without new funding won’t make a real difference

Parliamentary news
In response to the Ministerial Statement on upholding employment rights and plans for a new 'workers' watchdog', Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Business, Sarah Olney MP, said: “This is a long-overdue step towards properly enforcing workers’ rights, but we need to see far more action from the Government. “It is unacceptable that this announcement comes without new legislation or funding. This body must be written into law as soon as possible, and receive enough funding to employ at least one labour inspector per 10,000 workers.  “Making a real difference to workers’ lives takes more than a new watchdog. The Government must strengthen workers rights in key areas, such as giving zero-hours workers a 20% higher minimum wage and gig workers basic protections such as sick pay.”
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18Feb 2019 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Swinson: Labour must not believe PM’s meaningless promises on workers’ rights

Parliamentary news
In a letter to the 25 Labour MPs who voted against or abstained on the Cooper amendment on 29 January, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats Jo Swinson MP has warned that the only way to protect workers’ rights is by staying in the European Union. Ms Swinson said: “Theresa May’s supposed commitment to safeguard workers’ rights after Brexit is meaningless. With her days in Number 10 numbered, there is nothing to stop any future Conservative Prime Minister from reneging on her promises. “I have seen first-hand how determined many in the Conservative party are to sacrifice employment rights at the altar of deregulation. I strongly urge Labour colleagues to see that the only way to protect our hard-won workers’ rights is to stay in the European Union.”
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