Labour came to office following nearly two decades of a Conservative Government which rejected the idea that pay and conditions in the workplace were any responsibility of the state. We have never shared that view. Not only is it right that there is some guarantee that standards for working people cannot fall below a certain level, but an underpinning of such minimum standards is crucial to a competitive economy. It encourages labour force participation, helps increase productivity in the workplace, and avoids a race to the bottom among poor employers which is pointless in a global economy.
The Government has taken a whole series of measures in this area, but it is worth highlighting just a few of them that have probably made the most difference to working people.
First, we have, for the first time in Britain, introduced a national minimum wage, ensuring that the days when someone could legally be paid just £1 an hour are gone forever. Around one million people have had their wages increased as a result of the introduction of the minimum wage, now standing at £3.70 for adults (with a youth rate of £3.20). The Low Pay Commission is currently looking at increasing these levels.
The minimum wage is a policy of which we should be extremely proud. It is vital that we defend it against the Tories who have never believed in the concept, claimed that it would destroy millions of jobs, and even now are threatening to remove the right to a minimum wage from those who work in smaller firms.
Second, we introduced the right for workers to be able to take four weeks annual paid leave. This was the first time that 3.1 million workers had been entitled to this break period. In addition, we have implemented measures that mean no worker can be forced to work excessive hours by their employer against their will.
Third, we have brought in measures that end discrimination against part-time workers. Millions of people, particularly women, have gained from this new right.
Fourth, we have made it possible for parents to take time off in a domestic emergency – for instance, a child falling ill at school – without the threat of being sacked for so doing. Also, to help parents balance work and parenthood more easily, we have introduced the right to parental leave and are consulting at the moment about introducing paid paternity leave, increasing the amount of maternity leave and pay, and giving people the right to work reduced hours after their children are born.
Fifth, Labour has introduced the right for a workforce to be represented by a trade union where a majority of the workforce wants this. This is another right the Tories would take away completely.
Sixth, we have given workers involved in a grievance or disciplinary procedure the right to be accompanied by a person of their choice, including a trade union official. These are often very difficult moments for employees and the right to take in such a person, which extends to firms of any size, makes the whole experience much easier.
Overall, we have a proud record of achievement in putting in place decent minimum standards on pay, conditions and workers’ rights. We have brought these measures in successfully, confounding the Tory critics who said that there was a trade off between fairness and economic success. It is a record well worth campaigning on and defending – and one which we will look to build on if we are elected for a second term.