British workers are set to benefit from improved working conditions as the UK Government launches its “Plan to Make Work Pay.”
In a significant move towards collaboration, the Deputy Prime Minister and Business Secretary convened a meeting on 14th August 2024, bringing together trade unions and business leaders. This unprecedented gathering aimed to reset relations between government, business, and workers to stimulate economic growth.
During the meeting, key topics such as the Employment Rights Bill and the broader Plan to Make Work Pay were discussed. The Deputy Prime Minister and Business Secretary took the opportunity to listen to the insights and concerns of the attendees, highlighting a new approach to policymaking that emphasises collaboration and mutual respect. This engagement marks a shift in government strategy, aiming to include a broader range of voices in the decision-making process.
The meeting follows the recent decision by the Deputy Prime Minister and Business Secretary to revise the remit of the Low Pay Commission. This revision is intended to ensure early progress on the Make Work Pay plan, with the ultimate goal of increasing income for working people across the UK.
Employment Rights Bill to be Introduced Within 100 Days
A cornerstone of the Plan to Make Work Pay is the Employment Rights Bill, which is set to be introduced within the first 100 days of the new government. The bill is expected to play a crucial role in delivering the plan’s objectives, which include enhancing workplace rights to better align with the demands of a modern economy.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner emphasised the importance of cooperation between workers and businesses, noting that this new era of partnership will have benefits for everyone in the country. Rayner underscored the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth by ensuring that all stakeholders have a voice in shaping policy.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds echoed these sentiments, acknowledging that the insights from both business leaders and trade unions have been overlooked in the past. Reynolds stressed that the government’s plans, including the Make Work Pay initiative, will now be shaped by these essential perspectives to ensure they drive economic growth and improve working conditions.
Worker Rights and Economic Growth
The Plan to Make Work Pay outlines an ambitious agenda aimed at updating workplace rights, empowering workers, and promoting economic growth. Minister for Employment Rights Justin Madders highlighted the importance of incorporating the views of unions and businesses in the legislative process. He confirmed that the Employment Rights Bill will be a priority for the government, with the goal of delivering it within the first 100 days in office.
The plan is designed to address key issues such as making work more family-friendly, supporting job retention, and improving living standards. By putting more money into the pockets of working people, the government aims to boost economic growth and foster an environment conducive to innovation and resilience.
Further Engagement Planned for the “Make Work Pay” Initiative
The government has committed to ongoing engagement with trade unions and business representatives to refine and implement the Plan to Make Work Pay. Future meetings and consultations are also planned to ensure that the plan reflects the needs and insights of all stakeholders involved.
As part of its broader agenda, the government has outlined several commitments under the Make Work Pay plan. These include banning exploitative zero-hours contracts, ending the practice of “fire and rehire,” and introducing basic employment rights from day one, such as parental leave, sick pay, and protection from unfair dismissal. Additionally, the plan will strengthen the collective voice of workers through their trade unions and create a Single Enforcement Body to uphold employment rights.
The government also plans to ensure that the minimum wage is a genuine living wage by adjusting the remit of the Low Pay Commission to account for the cost of living. Furthermore, the discriminatory age bands for the minimum wage will be removed, granting all adults the same minimum wage and resulting in a pay rise for hundreds of thousands of workers across the UK.
