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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Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.
The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.
The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.
Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.
National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.
In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).
“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.
“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”
Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Emily Sergeant -
18th April 2023 
