Laser focus on good jobs and boosting skills in public spending "much needed", says TUC

Commenting on the government's procurement announcement today by First Secretary of State Louise Haigh, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:  

“Public money should be used for the public good - not squandered on poorly performing contracts which don't deliver for working people or their communities.

“This move is a welcome and important step to ensure that every pound of taxpayer's money delivers good jobs up and down the country, addresses local skills gaps and drives economic growth.  

“This laser focus on skills and quality jobs is much-needed. To make this shift truly transformative, the government needs to bring forward the Procurement Bill in the next parliamentary session. That will help to ensure requirements on good jobs have the necessary teeth and cover every supplier in every sector - with union access and recognition delivering decent work across the economy."