UK TUC: Welsh government “has shown the way” during the pandemic

• TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady praises Covid response of Mark Drakeford and Welsh unions in speech to Wales TUC Congress
• Welsh administration has handled the crisis better than London government, says O’Grady

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady has today (Tuesday) paid tribute to the leadership shown by the Welsh Government during the Covid pandemic.

In a speech to the Wales TUC Congress, O’Grady said Mark Drakeford’s administration “has shown the way” in helping working people through the crisis.

Highlighting the approach taken by leaders in the Senedd, O’Grady said:

“It’s only right to acknowledge the brilliant job Mark Drakeford has done as First Minister. He has shown the way during this crisis.

“The Welsh Government has handled the pandemic better than Number 10 by involving unions more centrally, delivering stronger Covid regulations, and by linking support for business to fair treatment for workers.” 

Highlighting the need for ongoing support for workers and businesses, O’Grady warned:

“We must act now to head off the threat of mass unemployment by extending furlough until at least the end of the year.

“And by giving working families the support they need, including decent sick pay and proper social security.

“That’s why the TUC is calling for action to protect jobs, improve jobs and create jobs.”

Highlighting the need for improving pay and conditions as we emerge from the pandemic, O’Grady added:

“Almost a quarter of workers don’t earn the real living wage – including many of our wonderful key workers.

“Public and private, they’ve kept us going and deserve reward as well as recognition.

“Because let’s be clear: claps don’t pay the bills.

“The Welsh government is doing everything it can to deliver fair work. But the Westminster government must do more by delivering the Employment Bill we were promised, legislating for a £10 an hour minimum wage and ditching its rotten pay freeze.”