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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Man arrested in relation to series of ‘aggravated’ burglaries in Oldham following urgent police appeal
Emily Sergeant
A man has been arrested in relation to a series of ‘aggravated’ burglaries in Oldham following an urgent police appeal last week.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that, between January and March of this year, there had been four linked incidents, as well as a further incident in October, where victims had been targeted in a similar way – with the suspect attempting to or gaining entry to their property, before demanding they hand over bank cards and pin codes.
And now, following a police appeal last week, the suspect – a man in his 30s – has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary, and he remains in custody for questioning.
Following the arrest of the man, who has not been named, police identified a potential further victim.
The incident involving this victim is believed to have occurred between Wednesday 4 November and Saturday 7 November at an address on Whitstable Close in the Chadderton area of Oldham, and during a search of the property, officers sadly found a deceased man in his 70s.
His death is currently being treated as ‘suspicious’, and the same man in his 30s arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary has been further arrested on suspicion of murder.
The victim’s next-of-kin have been informed, and they are being supported by police.
Following the arrests, Detective Superintendent Amber Waywell commented: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the gentleman who has sadly died and with his family and loved ones at what will be an incredibly difficult and distressing time.
“This remains a complex and developing investigation, and we are working hard to establish the full circumstances surrounding his death.
“I would like to thank the outstanding work of our detectives, who have shown real determination and persistence throughout this investigation.
“We are also extremely grateful to everyone who came forward following our media appeals.”
Featured Image – Wikipedia Commons
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Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues
Emily Sergeant
As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.
Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.
Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.
Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.
Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.
The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.
Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied
The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.
“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”
Emily Sergeant -
18th April 2023 
