Angela Rayner has been reinforcing the Labour Party’s commitment to ban zero-hour contracts if elected into government.
The Deputy Leader and MP for Ashton-under-Lyne is currently up in Dundee for the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) conference, but ahead of addressing crowds, she has speaking out about Labour’s pledge to scrap all zero-hour contracts as part a “new deal for working people” that would take effect if the Party is elected.
Labour claims its ambitions is to “ensure a fair day’s pay for a day’s work” is delivered if Keir Starmer is elected as Prime Minister.
One of the Party’s core aims as part of the New Deal for Working People is to increase pay amid the rising cost of living crisis and bring about an end to the “self-defeating low wage, low investment, and low productivity cycle” that it claims the country has been “trapped in for the last decade”.
But as well as committing to bettering pay, Labour has also promised that it will “strengthen the protections afforded to all workers” by banning zero-hours contracts.
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Labour promises to ban ‘insecure’ zero-hour contracts if elected / Credit: Pxfuel | WallpaperFlare
It has also pledged to “outlawing bogus self-employment”, and ending the qualifying periods for basic rights, which it says often leaves working people having to wait up to two years for basic protections.
Angela Rayner says Scotland, in particular, has seen an “explosion” in the number of zero-hour contracts over the last decade – with Labour hitting out at the Conservatives and SNP, and pointing out that the number has risen from roughly 46,000 between October and December 2013, to about 94,000 during the same period last year.
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“It’s leaving working people with insecure hours and no guarantee when their next pay cheque will arrive,” Angela Rayner admitted ahead of her speech at the STUC conference today.
Scotland’s explosion in insecure work has seen zero hours contracts double in a decade.
Labour’s New Deal for Working People will ban zero hours contracts, safeguard rights and raise standards for all.
“This disgraceful surge in insecure work risks a race to the bottom. Zero-hours working practices often go hand-in-hand with low pay, and working women are disproportionately affected by the scourge of insecure work, while one in 10 young working Scots is now on a zero-hours contract.
“While the Tories and the SNP have failed to deliver the crackdown they promised, the next Labour government will ban zero-hours contracts, safeguard rights at work and raise standards for all. With our New Deal for Working People, Labour has a plan to ensure people have access to fair and secure work.
“Labour will make Scotland work for working people.”
Featured Image – Gabrielle Henderson (via Unsplash)
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Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
Emily Sergeant -
18th April 2023 
