[IER] IER experts on new Bill that empowers workers and trade unions

Fri Mar 26 18:49:36 GMT 2021

News brief - 26/03/21                                                                            <https://us12.campaign-archive.com/?e=__test_email__&u=f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3&id=f210b012b5> View this email in your browser 

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IER experts on new Bill that empowers workers and trade unions 

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The long-awaited Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Bill has entered its consultation period and the IER will be on hand to inform your trade union's response at a  <https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvcOqrrT4oE9O2VE_ckUarFTBYFxnelj4d> free event on Tuesday 06 April 2021.

At a time when Westminster appears to be making every effort to prevent dissenting voices, Wales is using its devolved powers to move in the opposite direction.

The Social Partnership Bill intends to promote tripartite working between trade unions, government and employers to improve working standards across the board. Working with trade unions, the devolved and local governments will also use the power of the public purse to effect change by placing conditions on employers bidding for public contracts.

Meanwhile, Johnson's administration intends to criminalise "noisy" protests; has increased protection for secret State agencies through the CHIS Bill, despite knowledge of their previous abuses of power in infiltrating law-abiding trade unions; and has launched a review to limit judicial review. 

The launch of progressive legislation at a time like this is a beacon of hope for those in opposition to the increasingly undemocratic and authoritarian bent of current policymaking.

Professor Keith Ewing, IER President, said: "The Bill is very important for a number of reasons, not least because it represents the first serious engagement with the United Kingdom's legal responsibilities after Brexit.  

"The Bill provides a starting point for Westminster and Holyrood, as well as compelling lessons for the Labour Party leadership in London."

Whether you are with a Welsh trade union that intends to respond to the consultation, or if you are interested in understanding how tripartite working could be practically introduced at a national level,  <https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvcOqrrT4oE9O2VE_ckUarFTBYFxnelj4d> register now for our free-to-atttend event. 

 <https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvcOqrrT4oE9O2VE_ckUarFTBYFxnelj4d> Book your place 

 <https://www.ier.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/IER.AdvertisingSheet.V7.Feb21.pdf> 

Low-cost advertising with the IER

The IER is proud to launch a programme of low-cost advertising to trade unions and the organisations that wish to reach them as a means of supporting our charitable aims.

For just £50, you can have your image in our newsletter, with a link to your website, campaign, event or service, and a coloured box of text - just like this - all about you.

 <https://www.ier.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/IER.AdvertisingSheet.V7.Feb21.pdf> Read more 

FREE: Join our experts for a detailed briefing on the HSE and Covid at Work

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30th March 2021 – 10:00 am - 1:30 pm 

Workplace infections account for a significant proportion of all Covid cases. An analysis of PHE data conducted by Professor Rory O’Neill, one of the co-authors of  <https://www.ier.org.uk/product/hse-and-covid-at-work-a-case-of-regulatory-failure/> HSE and Covid at work, revealed that 40% of people testing positive for Covid-19 reported prior ‘workplace or education’ activity.

Meanwhile, a survey of call centre workers by co-author Professor Phil Taylor revealed that over one in three (35.4%) were seated less than two metres away from their colleagues in contravention of social distancing rules. This is despite a warning from the government’s own SAGE advisors that reducing social distancing to one metre rather than two could increase transmission ten-fold.

In May 2020, the government declared workplaces “Covid-secure” and reassured workers that this would be enforced through a £14m package for HSE ‘spot checks’. But IER’s analysis found strong evidence that risk was not sufficiently mitigated in workplaces because Covid-19 rules were not adequately enforced due to an underfunded, light-touch approach through an understaffed agency that failed to regulate the risk to workers and communities.

The magnitude of this risk has since been tragically borne out by large workplace outbreaks such as that seen at the DVLA’s Swansea offices, while the government’s underwhelming response is reflected in the complete absence of prosecutions of employers known to be breaking Covid rules.

Learn more about the report, the project, and be part of the debate by joining us at this full-morning event.

Speakers

Carolyn Jones, IER Director

Prof Phil Taylor, University of Strathclyde

Lord John Hendy QC

Prof Michael Ford QC 

Prof Steve Tombs, Open University

Janet Newsham, Hazards 

Prof Phil James

 <https://www.ier.org.uk/events/health-safety-law-and-enforcement-fit-to-protect-the-workers-of-the-21st-century/> Book your place 

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COMMENT: The weaknesses in the law that just allowed employers to pay care workers less than the minimum wage

Kate Ewing explains how the exclusion of sleep-in care work from National Minimum Wage rules sets a dangerous precedent for us all. 

 <https://www.ier.org.uk/comments/the-weaknesses-in-the-law-that-just-allowed-employers-to-pay-carers-less-than-the-minimum-wage/> Read full story 

  <https://mcusercontent.com/f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3/images/2c59d6dd-4c01-404f-91c4-7ef83289090c.jpg> 

COMMENT: Does a Compulsory Retirement Age Infringe Human Rights Law?

Professor Hugh Collins analyses the law surrounding age discrimination in the context of compulsory retirement policies. 

 <https://www.ier.org.uk/comments/does-a-compulsory-retirement-age-infringe-human-rights-law/> Read full story 

  <https://mcusercontent.com/f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3/images/c3eeffdb-1034-40ee-b1ba-3ead1babcb49.jpg> 

COMMENT: The Post Brexit ‘Red Tape’ Paradox: Part 2

Professor David Whyte and Andrew Moretta argued that the new deal between the EU and the UK provides an opportunity to strengthen and extend domestic workers' rights. 

 <https://www.ier.org.uk/comments/the-post-brexit-red-tape-paradox-part-2/> Read full story 

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COMMENT: Health & safety at work is fundamental. Let’s make it a fundamental right

Carolyn Jones says it is vital that the UK government gets behind an international move to recognise health and safety as a fundamental right at work. 

 <https://www.ier.org.uk/comments/health-safety-at-work-is-fundamental-lets-make-it-a-fundamental-right/> Read full story 

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Justice for the Shrewsbury 24

The Court of Appeal has agreed that the convictions of 24 trade unionists were a miscarriage of justice. 

 <https://www.ier.org.uk/news/justice-for-the-shrewsbury-24/> Read full story 

  <https://mcusercontent.com/f121e48a8bb6d3101590c12d3/images/753cb9ae-f003-43e9-99f7-206029ce1e11.jpg> 

Nearly 40,000 Asda workers claim equal pay victory in Supreme Court

The ruling sets a precedent for thousands of women across the grocery sector. 

 <https://www.ier.org.uk/news/nearly-40000-asda-workers-claim-equal-pay-victory-in-supreme-court/> Read full story 

IER and Covid-19

Due to the rapid spread of the coronavirus disease and the need to keep our staff, supporters and speakers safe, IER is holding all events online until further notice.

IER staff will continue to work, but remotely from home. We will answer emails, produce publications and circulate our weekly News Briefs and other on-line information. However, phone calls to the office or mail sent by post will not receive immediate attention.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused and wish you all best wishes during this difficult time.

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