The rise in the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage is a huge win for working people. Millions of workers are set to receive a boost in pay worth up to £1,400 a year. This is Labour’s New Deal for Working People in action. It’s the result of years of organising and campaigning by trade unions, standing up for better pay and an end to low-wage Britain.
But our work isn’t over. With the Employment Rights Bill now in the House of Lords, the Tories and bad bosses are going to be working overtime to unpick the protections we have been fighting for. We can’t take our eye off the ball.
We know there’s an imbalance of power in the workplace – with too many workers in insecure work, with hours given or taken away at the whim of their boss. Too few workers are covered by collective bargaining, without the protection and say at work that a recognised workplace union brings.
That’s why the Employment Rights Bill is so important, and why the New Deal for Working People must be delivered in full. The New Deal isn’t just an upgrade in rights – it’s a shift in power back to where it belongs: with working people.
The creation of the National Minimum Wage was one of the greatest achievements of the last Labour government. It didn’t happen by accident – it was won through organising, campaigning, and the strength of the Labour union link.
The same tired voices who once claimed the minimum wage would crash the economy are now attacking Labour’s Employment Rights Bill and, looking to create loopholes and get-outs to undermine workers’ rights.
We can’t let that happen. We know that it’s by putting power back into the hands of working people that we can raise wages and improve the world of work for everyone.
“This is the change people voted for: Making Work Pay and putting more money in millions of people’s pockets.” Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister.
This is a big achievement – the New Deal gives 3 million people a pay rise. Together we’ll make sure we finish the job and deliver the New Deal for working people in full.
