Workers at firms hard hit by the coronavirus lockdown are to continue to get wage subsidies, after the government bowed to pressure from trade unions and others.Read more…
Employment tribunals need resources, not a sticking plaster
The government has announced a mixed bag of reforms to the creaking tribunal system, but only significant investment will ensure working people receive timely access to justice.Read more…
Social care is not fit for purpose – here’s how to fix it
TUC analysis shows that the social care system is not working. Here’s how we can transform it.Read more…
Why we need an increase in statutory sick pay
Current rates of statutory sick pay leave many workers facing an impossible choice between going to work ill or falling into debt. This needs to change.Read more…
GDP rebound continues but very mixed story by industry
GDP shows the economy continuing to come back as the lockdown was eased, but many industries still with massive ground to make up, and danger ahead as the furlough scheme ends.Read more…
A public sector jobs drive can stop mass unemployment and power an economic recovery
Creating public sector jobs could pave the way to economic recovery and prevent mass unemployment.Read more…
The government must give key workers a pay rise and tackle insecure work
Through the minimum wage and public sector pay awards the government controls the pay of more than six million key workers. They must give them a pay rise.Read more…
An unemployment crisis is coming. The government must act now to prevent it
With a big drop in employment since the start of the pandemic, the government must do more to avert an unemployment crisis later this year.Read more…
Trade unions – bringing people together
I’ve written previously about the impact of coronavirus on the BME community, anti-Semitism, and anti-Chinese racism. This week I’m looking at something a lot more positive – the role of trade unions…Read more…
We need a new plan to build on the Job Retention Scheme
Unions helped pave the way for the Job Retention Scheme. Now a new scheme is needed to help upskill workers and protect jobs.Read more…
I am not a virus – anti-Chinese racism and coronavirus
The far-right are always seeking to normalise racist attitudes and behaviours. Legitimate criticism of the actions of the Chinese state have been hijacked. Chinese visitors and students, as well as…Read more…
An old libel – coronavirus & anti-Semitism
Anti-Semitic tropes, dating back to the Middle Ages, are being used by the far-right in the coronavirus age.Read more…
£13 a day isn’t enough – isolating workers need proper sick pay
The government’s proposed payouts for low-paid workers forced to self-isolate don’t go far enough.Read more…
Unemployment is rising. We need an urgent plan to tackle it
Recent unemployment figures show widespread job losses. The government needs to act now to safeguard livelihoods and prevent mass unemployment.Read more…
Today’s GDP figures show the steepest economic decline on record
With the UK now officially in recession, the government must act now to save jobs and stop an unemployment crisis.Read more…
Hatred in the age of coronavirus
Coronavirus is, in many ways, showing the best of British. But alongside this humanity, we’ve seen a rise in hatred. Far-right extremists have tried to take advantage of coronavirus to spread…Read more…
Protecting jobs and investing in our future – the best way to give people hope
With the UK now in recession, decisive action is needed to protect jobs and aid recovery.Read more…
With 3.6 million in insecure work, we have an opportunity for change
TUC research has revealed that millions of people are stuck in insecure work. Improving job quality will lead to better outcomes for all.Read more…
It’s getting hot in here – getting organised for safer, cooler working conditions
Hotter temperatures are becoming more and more common in the UK. Workplaces need to adjust to make sure workers are protected.Read more…
Our social security net is failing during the Covid-19 crisis
10 years of cuts have hammered our social security system. The pandemic has shown that it needs a major rehaul.Read more…