Government must back workers on pay and job security, says TUC

Tuesday 19 February 2019: For immediate release
TUC press office: 020 7467 1248

Government must back workers on pay and job security, says TUC

Commenting on the publication today (Tuesday) of labour market figures showing that real wages are still 1.9% lower than a decade ago and 844,000 workers are stuck on zero-hours contracts, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“Workers are facing a triple whammy. Employers are still not giving people the pay rises they deserve, leaving them worse-off than a decade ago. Millions don’t have the security of a solid job, because the government won’t crack down on insecure work. And the Prime Minister’s reckless Brexit strategy is causing employers to take flight.

“The government must put its power behind workers’ needs. We need a plan to restore job security and wages, with new laws to outlaw shady employment practices. And the prime minister must rule out a no-deal Brexit and ditch her red lines.”

On the latest numbers on workers employed through zero-hours contracts she added:

“There are still over 800,000 people stuck on zero-hours contracts. Most of them have no guarantees of basic rights like paid leave and sick pay. They want solid jobs and they need the government to get on and help them.”

ENDS