New law to drive up employment standards in Wales

The Wales Trades Union Congress (Wales TUC) has warmly welcomed the consultation on the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Bill today (Friday 26 February).

The Bill will establish a duty on public bodies covered by the Future Generations Act to consult with trade unions when they set their wellbeing objectives. This will ensure that the interests of workers are properly reflected in any action which bodies such as councils and health boards take under their sustainable development responsibilities. 

The Wales Trade Union Congress strongly welcomed the draft legislation.

Wales TUC General Secretary Shavanah Taj said:

“This is such an important step for workers in Wales. The legislation will secure a voice for workers in the decisions which matter to them. It means that workers will be at the table with government and business leaders, working in partnership to make Wales fairer more equitable and prosperous.

“Employers are powerful – they have a lot of resource they can dedicate to lobbying government and this is unfair. This legislation will balance that out, making sure that when business has a say, that workers are listened to as well. We’ve tried to work like this in Wales for a long time, particularly during the current health pandemic. This legislation will strengthen and formalise approach so that we reach outcomes that benefit everyone.” 

The draft legislation also sets out a plan for “socially responsible procurement.” It places a duty on public bodies to ensure their procurement spend is contributing to fair work, equality and wellbeing goals. Trade unions hope this will mean that procurement spend leads to better jobs being created in all parts of Wales, but especially in those communities where good work is scarce.

Shavanah Taj said: “We all want to see public money going into creating good quality jobs and apprenticeships. This legislation takes us another step closer to guaranteeing this and fulfilling the ambition of our Better Jobs Closer to Home campaign. But it also considers other positive outcomes too, like the impact of this spending on our environment, as we begin an economic recovery programme to build back better”.

Also welcoming the Bill, Wales TUC President Ruth Brady said:

“This Social Partnership Bill is a bold and radical step that will allow workers a greater voice in the way our country is run. Together in partnership we will make real changes that will embed equality and fairness for workers across every workplace in Wales.

“Trade unions and the labour movement have always believed that democratically involving workers is the best way of finding equitable solutions to the challenges that Wales faces in the 21st century.

“The truth is that with uncertainty thrown up around Covid and Brexit, there has never been a more important time to join a union, so we’re urging everyone to sign up, get involved and be at the heart of changing Wales for the better.”