Wales’ successful social partnership approach, bringing workers,
businesses and public services together has become law – as the
Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act gained
Royal Assent.
It is the first law in Wales to be given Royal Assent by
King Charles III and means that workers will have a greater
opportunity to shape policies, activities and strategic
priorities at a national government level and in certain public
sector organisations.
The new Act will see the creation of a statutory social
partnership framework through a permanent Social Partnership
Council for Wales.
This Team Wales approach will unite Welsh Government, workers and
public services to work towards the common goal of a making the
country a stronger and fairer place to live and work.
This Act also includes Wales’ first piece of primary legislation
on procurement. Public bodies will be required to deliver
socially responsible procurement, which means putting
environmental, social, economic and cultural well-being at the
heart of an £8bn annual procurement spend.
Deputy Minister for Social Partnership said:
“I’m very pleased and very proud to have delivered this important
new law for Wales.
“We know that it’s only by working in partnership with workers,
employers and businesses that we can make real changes which will
embed equality, fairness and well-being in our workplaces.
“I want to thank our trusted social partners, and all who worked
with us on the procurement duties, for their support in helping
us to create this Act, which will make a real difference to
people, to workplaces, and to Wales as a whole.”
Social partnership duties will be placed on certain public bodies
and on Welsh Ministers to improve the delivery of public services
as well as social and economic wellbeing.
Social partners will be given the tools to work together in
pursuit of the well-being goals contained in the Well-being of
Future Generations Act. The Social Partnership and Public
Procurement Act will amend the ‘A Prosperous Wales’ well-being
goal so fair work is one of the stated outcomes.
First Minister said:
“Social partnership is a uniquely Welsh way of working. Making it
law supports us on our journey of creating a stronger and fairer
Wales.
“In Wales, we’re driving-up the quality of work and employee
rights thanks to open dialogue. This is a country with a vibrant
economy that values and safeguards our workforce.”
Wales TUC General Secretary Shavanah Taj said:
“The Social Partnership and Public Procurement Act is a momentous
piece of legislation.
“It moves beyond antiquated and insular models of governance and
embraces a fresh, progressive approach that puts the voice of
workers at the heart of public policy in Wales.
“By emphasising collective dialogue and working with trade unions
to solve problems, the Act signifies a radical leap forward in
government decision-making.
“Through a commitment to fair work and recognising trade unions
as essential partners, the Act creates the conditions for better
jobs, safer workplaces, and a strong, dynamic economy.”
Councillor , WLGA Spokesperson for
Workforce, Finance and Resource said:
“On behalf of Welsh local government, I welcome this progressive
new Act which will further build on and strengthen the
contribution social partnership makes to the work we do in Wales.
“As deliverers of local services, we are proud of our workforce
and the role local government plays in close partnership with our
trade unions to deliver for communities right across the
country.”
Notes to editors
Social Partnership and
Public Procurement (Wales) Bill | GOV.WALES
Social Partnership and
Public Procurement Bill: explanatory memorandum | GOV.WALES
Social Partnership and
Public Procurement (Wales) Bill: easy read version |
GOV.WALES
Social Partnership and
Public Procurement (Wales) Bill - YouTube
