Jay McKenna appointed TUC Regional Secretary for the North West

Jay McKenna has today (Tuesday) been appointed as the TUC’s Regional Secretary for the North West of England.

Jay takes over the post from Lynn Collins, who is on a second long-term secondment with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

He will be based in the TUC's Liverpool office, and will be the TUC's senior representative across the North West.

Background

Jay acted up as TUC North West Regional Secretary between July 2019 and September 2020. He has now been awarded the position on a permanent basis following an external recruitment process. Jay has worked for the TUC since 2012. 

As well as previously acting up as Regional Secretary he has worked as a Campaigns Officer for the North West region and as a Policy Officer for the TUC’s national public services team.

Over the last year Jay has played a key role in developing the TUC’s policy and campaign work on social care and public services. And he has helped lead a series of campaigns in the North West on issues including fair pay, workers’ rights and public services.

Prior to joining the TUC Jay worked as an adviser at Jobcentre Plus.

Away from work Jay is a passionate football fan and helped set up the ‘Spirit of Shankly’ Liverpool Supporters’ Trust.

Commenting on his appointment Jay McKenna said: “It’s a great honour to have been appointed the TUC’s Regional Secretary for the North West.

“I am determined to do all I can to support working people in this region and to help communities thrive.

“We face huge challenges in the months and years ahead as we recover from this dreadful pandemic. But I will relentlessly make the case for high-quality jobs, strong public services and for better living standards for all.

“Everyone in the North West deserves to be treated with dignity at work and to be paid a decent wage.

“I look forward to working closely with unions, employers and politicians on improving skills and training and on securing much-needed investment for our region.”

Commenting on the appointment, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:  “We are delighted to appoint Jay to this role.

“'He has great experience in campaigns, policy and organising - both regionally and nationally.

“We look forward to him using those skills to support union growth and influence in the North West.

“He will be a great advocate for working people in the region.”