What’s the Labour Government ever done for us? Rights for people at work

Since Labour was elected into power in 1997 the Labour Party has made a priority of improving workers rights and freedoms that were often infringed in previous governments. At all stages the Tories have voted against the benefit they would bring to you.

The following are some of the ways Labour has helped provide a wide range of rights, brings you more security and a fairer deal in your employment.

The most significant change was in 1999 with the introduction of the minimum wage which instantly raised wages for over two million people. Since then the minimum wage has continued to rise and now sits at over 50% of its original figure. The minimum wage was continually voted against by the Tories as well as above inflation increases. Your rights and equalities in the workplace were obviously not at the top of their agenda.

The Government has also continued to push its belief in helping skilled workers through the National Employer Training Fund and Union Learning Fund by helping over 350,000 people improve skills for work from the help of 18,000 Union Learning Reps.

Labour has also helped protect your job security against unfair dismissal. Thanks to Labour the maximum compensation has risen from £12,000 to £63,000, giving you better job security than under any previous government.

Part-time workers have also benefited from Labour action in Parliament; they also gained equal pay, pension rights, pro-rata holidays and sick pay. This is a move in which the Tories have planned to reform, disagreeing with such equal treatment.

Now every worker also has the right to be a member of a trade union and be represented in grievance and disciplinary hearings. Employers must recognise them if a majority of workers want them. Since 1999 over 1,000 new trade union recognitions have been signed.

Employees who work for more than six hours are now entitled a minimum 20 minute break and at least 11 hour rest period between working days, with an additional minimum of 2 days off in a fortnight. Labour has introduced a further right to 24 days of paid leave a year, which is increasing to 28 days from April 2009. In which the Conservatives are committed to breaking by pulling out of the EU Social Chapter, thus cutting employment right gains.

If you would like further information on your workers rights here are some important websites and numbers you can call:

Usdaw’s Workers Rights Leaflet (Leaflet 211) at www.usdaw.org.uk

TUC “Know your Rights” line: 0870 600 4882 or visit www.tuc.org.uk

Minimum wage helpline: 0845 6000 678 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/nmw

Rights at work: www.direct.gov.uk/employment

Next time we see what the Labour Government has done for helping our hard working families.