By Jack Sargeant

MS for Alyn and Deeside

Throughout the pandemic workers have stood up and been counted when they were needed most. From nurses saving lives on the frontline to supermarket workers keeping food on the shelves; incredible people working in so many sectors have dedicated themselves to keeping the country running during the most challenging period of many of our lives.

We have now reached a 'fork in the road' as the pandemic enters a new phase, an opportunity to recognise that workers are the backbone of Britain and provide them with a 'new deal', guaranteeing fair pay and the working conditions they deserve.

I have always called for the Tory's economic model of insecure work, low wages and lack of opportunities to be resigned to history and I recently led a debate in the Senedd urging the UK Government to ban fire and rehire tactics. I was therefore pleased to welcome UK Labour's plans for a new deal for working people, recognising the urgent need for change and empowerment of workers.

Our Welsh Labour Government has always taken a workers first approach and recognises the importance of creating meaningful opportunities all. I was proud to fight the recent election on a manifesto which promised a young person's guarantee and to drive the creation of skilled jobs through a low-carbon housing revolution.

But we need a Labour Government in Westminster to forge a new deal for workers based on the following principles:

Security at work – Better and fairer workplaces by giving workers full rights from day one on the job; outlawing fire and rehire; a new right to work flexibly; and strengthened trade unions.

Quality jobs – A strong industrial strategy that uses government contracts to support British businesses, so we buy, make and sell more in Britain, delivering investment in high-quality, well-paid green jobs in the industries of the future.

A fairer economy – A fair and level playing field on tax between the multinational giants and local businesses on the high street; and tackling harassment and discrimination at work so everyone can get on.

Work that pays – Make sure that work pays paid wages that people can raise a family on with a real living wage of at least £10 an hour; and more workers covered by collectively agreed deals which boost pay.

By listening to workers and trade unions and implementing these core principles of fairness and equality at work we can build a better future for everyone in Britain.