Where are rights for our workers?
Last week at Westminster saw the Queen’s Speech, though, of course, every word delivered was dictated by Downing Street and the Prime Minister’s advisers.
At a time when our country desperately needs rea l imagination and vision to help rebuild after the pandemic, the programme for government was a total vacuum of creative thought.
Throughout the Covid-19 crisis, millions of workers across the country have had their security of employment threatened as never before, in some cases as a result of the pandemic – but in too many cases due to bosses ordering them to sign up for huge wage cuts or face the sack.
That simply isn’t fair at any time – but in the middle of a pandemic, it’s a scandal.
It should be illegal, just like it is in most of Europe, but, again, our workers’ rights lag way behind those in the civilised world.
While announcing Bills to make it harder to vote but easier for the UK Government to call a snap election, there was no sign of any moves to introduce legislation that would beef up workers’ rights and put an end to employers’ use of fire and rehire.
Despite umpteen ministerial appearances at the dispatch box, wringing their hands at the behaviour of these bullyboy bosses, when it came to the crunch, they refused to lift a finger and act.
If they won’t bring in protections for workers, they should hand the powers over to a Scottish Parliament and government that is committed to act and wants to see employees given the same rights as their colleagues enjoy across Europe.
Meanwhile, the move down to Level 2 of Covid restrictions was welcome, particularly as we move towards what passes for summer in this part of the world.
The change in level means that, for the first time in months, we can meet with others indoors and pubs, cafes, and restaurants can open for longer, among many other very welcome things.
But, as events in Glasgow and Moray last week have shown, the recovery out of lockdown is fragile.
Case numbers in both areas have risen dramatically over recent weeks, with the result that Glasgow’s move to Level 2 is delayed further.
The prediction that the more transmissible variant originating in India will be the dominant strain of coronavirus in the UK within days is a stark reminder that the danger posed by the pandemic is not yet away, despite the incredible progress that’s been made in giving over three million people their first dose of the vaccine across the country.
So far, Renfrewshire’s case numbers have remained relatively stable, certainly compared to other neighbouring council areas. But we have to stay vigilant and make sure we aren’t following close behind those neighbours.
Home testing is now available through the NHS, delivered direct to your door, meaning you and your household can test for Covid-19 regularly – particularly important when around onethird of cases have no symptoms.
By testing, self-isolating where needed, and continuing to follow the social distancing and hygiene advice we are now all used to, we can all make sure Renfrewshire continues on a path of fewer restrictions, seeing more of our friends and families, and more of our economy opening in the weeks ahead.