TUC head calls for “new deal” for workers in the East Midlands

• Paul Nowak says families in East Midlands have been desperate for a government that will “make work pay” – as he visits Rolls Royce factory in Derby today
• Union body leader calls for “more good employers like Rolls Royce”
• ***PAUL NOWAK AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW***

The General Secretary of the TUC Paul Nowak has today (Wednesday) set out why workers in the East Midlands desperately need a “new deal”.

Speaking ahead of visiting the Rolls Royce factory in Derby this morning, the TUC leader said that Labour’s election can provide a much-needed “fresh start” for working people in the region after “14 years of economic decline”.

Nowak’s comments come after recent TUC analysis showed that child poverty in working households in the East Midlands has increased by nearly three-fifths (58%) since 2010. More than 1 in 4 (24.6%) kids in working households in the East Midlands are now growing up in poverty.

Urgent reset

The TUC says Britain has been in urgent need of an economic reset. Analysis from the union body shows that pay packets are still worth less than in 2008 in nearly two-thirds (65%) of East Midlands local authorities

The analysis of official statistics shows that 16 years on from the financial crash wages are lower – in real terms – in 22 of the region’s 34 local authorities (for which data is available).

Across the region as whole average weekly pay is still £24 a week lower – in real terms – than in 2008 after more than a decade of stagnation.

And in every East Midlands local authority real wages are far below where they would be if they had grown at the pre-2008 growth rate.  

The union body estimates that if wage growth had been sustained at previous rates the average East Midlands worker would be £200 a week better off.

Workers’ rights boost

The TUC says Labour’s New Deal for Working People can play a pivotal role in improving jobs and making work pay.

The new government’s plan to make work pay includes commitments to:  

• Ban zero hours contracts  
• End fire and rehire  
• Strengthen sick pay  
• Give workers employment rights from day one of the job  
• Give workers stronger rights to flexible working  
• End lower minimum wage rates for young people so they get the full rate  
• Introduce ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting  
• Grant workers new rights to unionise and win better pay

Paul Nowak will be available for interviews today (Wednesday). To arrange an interview slot and for other bids please contact rjohnston@tuc.org.uk or call 07879 497 291.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:  

“After 14 years of economic decline under the Tories, working people in the East Midlands have been in desperate need of a new deal.

“Living standards have fallen and in-work poverty has soared under the Conservatives’ watch.

“Labour’s election victory is the chance to the turn the page and usher in a fresh start for families in the region.

“The new government’s plan to boost workers’ rights – and make work pay – can be a game changer for this region.

“Everyone deserves a secure job that gives them enough to live on.  

“This is a historic opportunity to set the East Midlands on course for a better future. We must grab it.”

On Labour’s industrial strategy, Nowak added:

“The UK has been crying out for a proper industrial strategy for years.

“Labour’s new National Wealth Fund shows our new government is serious about investing in our industrial base and the towns it supports.

“Trade unions are eager to work with the government – and employers – to ensure that new investment delivers the 650,000 quality jobs, stronger growth and climate action that working people need.

“This step change in approach from the new administration is welcome.”