[IER] Govt announces new workers' rights, but they don't go far enough
Sarah Glenister
sarah at ier.org.uk
Fri Jul 19 15:07:20 BST 2019
IER News Brief 19/07/19
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=06cbce47e2&e=71131c031b> Follow us on Twitter
news brief
Friday 19th July 2019
42bef9e9-0080-4d3d-9334-2e260fdb3b8d.gif <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3/images/42bef9e9-0080-4d3d-9334-2e260fdb3b8d.gif>
Just a week after Wales announced its Social Partnership Bill <https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=2ae82eac99&e=71131c031b> , Westminster has released its own proposals for the reform of workers' rights, but they pale in contrast to expert recommendations.
In a series of announcements over the course of the week, the government has launched consultations into extending workers' rights to statutory sick pay <https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=8375e7d466&e=71131c031b> , the establishment of a Single Enforcement Body <https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=40f79f6c24&e=71131c031b> for some aspects of employment law, improved rights to paid paternity leave <https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=579a097217&e=71131c031b> , and new protections for people in insecure work <https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=bc02c53517&e=71131c031b> .
In many ways, the government's direction rhymes with that of the Institute of Employment Rights' Manifesto for Labour Law <https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=6a79a7b0ef&e=71131c031b> , demonstrating cross-party recognition of problem areas in the current framework of labour law. However, in all cases, the proposals shy too far from robust change and fail to challenge a culture of work in which unilateral decisions made by employers rule workers' lives. This imbalanced relationship is at the heart of all of the issues workers now face, and tinkering with the details of legislation will barely hinder employers such as Uber from working around the law.
The government's plans are to provide statutory sick pay to those who fall below the Lower Earnings Limit of £118 per week; the right to request reasonable adjustments to ill workers who do not meet the definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010; better enforcement of holiday pay rules and monitoring of the operation of umbrella companies working through employment agencies; increased paid paternity leave with additional rights for those whose children are hospitalised; and a right to reasonable notice of working hours for insecure workers, as well as compensation for shifts cancelled at short-notice.
The IER contends that Statutory Sick Pay must not only be extended to all workers as a universal right, but must be increased from the paltry rate of £89.35 a week; everyone should have the right to flexible working to allow parents and those with disabilities to fit work around their lives; an independent Labour Inspectorate that enforces all employment law, as well as collectively agreed standards; one month of paternity leave on full pay as well as stronger rights to shared parental leave; a universal status of 'worker' so that everybody in employment gets the same rights from day one; and stronger rights for workers to be informed of their hours at a contractual level, as well as a premium for working additional hours, compensation for cancelled shifts, and the right to become a permanent employee after two years' service.
But most importantly, the 26 authors of the Manifesto for Labour Law - a team made up of lawyers and academics from across the country - agree that the framework of labour law must shift from one in which individual workers are asked to police their own rights to one in which workers can collectively negotiate for better rights. It is only through greater democracy in the workplace, and in the economy, that we will be able to secure lasting fairness at work.
Click here to read more about the Manifesto for Labour Law <https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=ac144134fc&e=71131c031b>
Subscribers receive all of our publications free and discount rates on our conferences. <https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=ff9a133ade&e=71131c031b> Subscribe now
Tweet your support
Support the Manifesto proposals by clicking any (or all!) of the below boxes to tweet out the message that suits you best.
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=ad2e077baa&e=71131c031b>
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=164965d59f&e=71131c031b>
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=f2d0c2e093&e=71131c031b>
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=3f4fdc2812&e=71131c031b>
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=d45d0f309f&e=71131c031b>
News and comment
30th anniversary <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3/images/a445c496-c0c6-489d-86d5-33336f0515d9.jpg>
Support the IER in its 30th Anniversary year
This year we are celebrating our forthcoming 30th Anniversary and we're appealing for your support. We hope to raise £30,000 to celebrate our 30 years and with these funds we will modernise our website and communications; promote our ideas through meetings, education packs, videos and animations; and establish a reserve to avoid repeat fundraising.
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=f18d797222&e=71131c031b> > click here to read full story
Whistleblowing <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3/images/265ceaa5-0fea-4c6c-935d-65675f965208.png>
Whistleblowing laws need urgent reform, says cross-party group
The all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on whistleblowing has released a report drawing on evidence from over 300 whistleblowers, urging the government to reform the law.
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=38c378f295&e=71131c031b> > click here to read full story
Manifesto <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3/images/95a3f90d-83e6-4ce0-b186-b01b05cc2f77.png>
Labour Minister confirms plans to ban zero-hour contracts, reinstate sectoral collective bargaining and raise pay
Shadow Minister for Labour, Laura Pidcock, has confirmed the Labour Party's plans to ban zero-hour contracts, reinstate sectoral collective bargaining and raise pay across the UK.
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=c2d239c655&e=71131c031b> > click here to read full story
Health and safety <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3/images/b2c03606-1ca0-42dd-b5d2-e6271b972144.png>
Govt proposes sick pay for lowest earners
The government has launched a consultation into new proposals the Departments of Work and Pensions and Health claim will help people with long-term illnesses stay in work.
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=a5c3323ba9&e=71131c031b> > click here to read full story
Workers' rights <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3/images/b1c726de-bf3c-454c-9dd0-50d42672c9ff.png>
Govt proposes single enforcement body for employment law
The government is consulting on new proposals for a single body to enforce some areas of employment law.
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=26eed2af9c&e=71131c031b> > click here to read full story
Workers' rights <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3/images/b1c726de-bf3c-454c-9dd0-50d42672c9ff.png>
Amazon workers join global protests
UK Amazon workers joined a protest against the company alongside thousands of their colleagues across the globe.
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=e68fa8d5ff&e=71131c031b> > click here to read full story
Manifesto <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3/images/95a3f90d-83e6-4ce0-b186-b01b05cc2f77.png>
Shadow Minister and working mum, Laura Pidcock, inspires workers at Durham Gala
Shadow Minister for Labour, Laura Pidcock, gave an inspiring speech at the Institute of Employment Rights' (IER) fringe meeting on the eve of the Durham Gala – all while holding her baby.
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=e1f943ac0d&e=71131c031b> > click here to read full story
Union rights <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3/images/8a74e5d2-ba66-4faf-a08d-e7b95ed9b73b.png>
Lords recognise value of trade unions on ILO centenary
The House of Lords has recognised the valuable contribution of trade unions in the UK economy and in keeping workers safe in a debate commemorating 100 years of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=946259b786&e=71131c031b> > click here to read full story
Equality <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3/images/41d5d27b-969b-4b55-bcb8-9a0e910471e3.png>
May proposes stronger father's rights
Outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May has launched a consultation into the extension of rights for new fathers.
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=9b08e13e83&e=71131c031b> > click here to read full story
Public sector <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3/images/e80db0b0-be8d-47c8-8d7d-05383e5cbcb3.png>
Public sector pay rise branded vain and "insulting" to workers
News that the government will allocate another £2bn to public sector pay rises next week has been branded vain and insulting.
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=890180d15d&e=71131c031b> > click here to read full story
Workers' rights <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3/images/b1c726de-bf3c-454c-9dd0-50d42672c9ff.png>
Govt consults on regulating insecure work
The government has launched a consultation into proposals made by the Low Pay Commission to reduce the 'one-sidedness' of so-called 'flexibility.
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=439cc44a3c&e=71131c031b> > click here to read full story
FREE resources
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=32ad6cccfb&e=71131c031b> 0f1c06b6-9415-4006-831c-bfc917c47fcf.png
Read our report and download free papers <https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=2ef17dc139&e=71131c031b> from this week's Labour Law and the Fair Work Agenda event, at which we brought together lawyers, academics, politicians and social partners in Wales to discuss the new Social Partnership Bill.
And if you're in Tolpuddle this weekend, don't forget to join us at our free fringe!
2810f42a-6ce3-4eea-8fed-4f5a58395aca.jpg <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3/images/2810f42a-6ce3-4eea-8fed-4f5a58395aca.jpg>
Events
Equality and Discrimination - Liverpool
Thursday 17 October 2019 - 09:30 - 16:00
Unite the Union, Liverpool
At this conference, an expert panel of lawyers, academics and campaigners will update delegates on the latest developments in equality law and suggest how workers' rights can be protected regardless of their personal characteristics.
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=e02da67b45&e=71131c031b> > click here to read more and book your place
Equality and Discrimination - London
Wednesday 13 November 2019 - 09:30 - 16:00
Unite the Union, London
At this conference, an expert panel of lawyers, academics and campaigners will update delegates on the latest developments in equality law and suggest how workers' rights can be protected regardless of their personal characteristics.
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=16b2b2450e&e=71131c031b> > click here to read more and book your place
Employment Law Update 2019 - Liverpool
Thursday 21 November 2019 - 09:30 - 16:00
Unite the Union, Liverpool
It's time again for the most popular Institute of Employment Rights conference of the year, at which we bring together leading lawyers, academics and campaigners from across the UK to update delegates on developments in labour law over the previous 12 months and to suggest how workers can be better protected.
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=cf03d88fc2&e=71131c031b> > click here to read more and book your place
Employment Law Update 2019 - London
Wednesday 04 December 2019 - 09:30 - 16:00
Unite the Union, Liverpool
It's time again for the most popular Institute of Employment Rights conference of the year, at which we bring together leading lawyers, academics and campaigners from across the UK to update delegates on developments in labour law over the previous 12 months and to suggest how workers can be better protected.
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=9ee060eb95&e=71131c031b> > click here to read more and book your place
Publications
Rolling out <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3/images/8ca2aad5-3b78-4602-b0c9-9519795bcbf4.jpg>
Rolling out the Manifesto for Labour Law: £10
Edited by John Hendy QC, Prof Keith Ewing and Carolyn Jones
The IER’s 2016 Manifesto for Labour Law garnered support from major unions across the UK, the Green Party, the Scottish Nationalist Party, and most of all the Labour Party, which adopted many of the IER’s recommendations as a blueprint for future reform. Now we present Rolling Out, a guide to how our recommendations could be practically implemented.
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=039efe72d5&e=71131c031b> click here to read more and purchase
Blacklisting <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3/images/ed8ca3ae-fa0c-4030-bff8-bcdcd4f59f6a.jpg>
Blacklisting: the need for a public inquiry (including a Manifesto Against Blacklisting): £8
By Dave Smith and Alex Just
In his thoughtful account of the conspiracy, which incorporates the first-hand experiences of blacklisted workers and their families, the author leads readers through the multitude of obstacles faced by the victims. It concludes with a call for a public inquiry that forces those involved to publically account for their actions; and a detailed Manifesto Against Blacklisting
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=9f7b33a773&e=71131c031b> click here to read more and purchase
Europe, the EU and Britain <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3/images/ffa54ac8-9d49-4559-9d3d-1042aaacbe0b.jpg>
Europe, the EU and Britain: Workers' Rights and Economic Democracy: £8
Notes from a seminar by the Institute of Employment Rights and the Marx Memorial Library
On 01 July 2017, labour movement leaders from across Europe met at the Marx Memorial Library, London, to discuss how a progressive future for workers’ rights can be sought following the UK’s vote to leave the EU. This report documents the meeting, including the transcripts of each presentation, as well as notes on the discussion between panel and delegates on the day.
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=829a8bb454&e=71131c031b> > click here to read more and purchase
CB Europe <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3/images/89596b4b-fb8c-466d-974a-89baa936f609.jpg>
The Legacy of Thatcherism in European Labour Relations: The Impact of the Politics of Neo-Liberalism and Austerity on Collective Bargaining in a Fragmenting Europe: £8
By Miguel Martinez Lucio, Aristea Koukiadaki and Isabel Tavora
As the UK prepares to leave the European Union, this analysis – the 11th in our Comparative Notes series – shines a light on the deleterious effect of the nation's deregulatory influence on the bloc.
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=1e868b1847&e=71131c031b> > click here to read more and purchase
CB in Social Care <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3/images/f5cd005c-17c2-4c04-bd1f-452d91c64d61.jpg>
8 Good Reasons Why Adult Social Care Needs Sectoral Collective Bargaining: £8
By Dr Lydia Hayes
In this booklet, Dr Lydia Hayes sets out the lessons learned from her interdisciplinary research into the social care sector, and builds upon the recommendations made in the Institute of Employment Rights' Manifesto for Labour Law: a comprehensive revision of worker’s rights to propose a sectoral collective bargaining structure for the negotiation of wages and conditions.
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=60b7ca0215&e=71131c031b> > Click here to read more and purchase
To unsubscribe, please contact sarah at ier.org.uk <mailto:sarah at ier.org.uk?subject=Unsubscribe> .
Produced by:
Institute of Employment Rights,
4th Floor, Jack Jones House
1 Islington
Liverpool L3 8EG
0151 207 5265
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=de4f5eb324&e=71131c031b> www.ier.org.uk
<https://ier.us12.list-manage.com/track/open.php?u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=857da98e50&e=71131c031b>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://mailman.gn.apc.org/pipermail/ier-elist/attachments/20190719/dab28140/attachment-0001.html>
More information about the IER-elist
mailing list