Speaking at the launch of the review into modern
working practices today (TUES), the Prime Minister is expected to say:
‘I am clear that this Government will act to ensure that the
interests of employees on traditional contracts, the
self-employed and those people working in the ‘gig’ economy are
all properly protected.’
…
‘At its best, a job can be a genuine vocation, providing the
means to intellectual and personal fulfilment, as well as
economic security.
‘With a good job can come dignity and a sense of self-worth. Work
can promote good mental and physical health, and emotional
well-being.
‘It is how we provide for ourselves and our families. It’s how we
pay the mortgage or the rent to keep a roof over our heads, how
we put food on the table and provide for our old age.
‘As a Conservative Government, we will always be on the side of
hard workers and good employers.
‘We will always back those enterprising small and medium-sized
business owners who take risks with their own economic security
in order to start and grow a business, contribute to our national
success and provide employment to other people. As aspiration
becomes reality, as an idea becomes an invoice, we will back
those who dare to dream and who dare to think big.
‘My message to them is clear and unequivocal – we respect the
work you do and we will always be on your side when you do the
right thing.
‘Our task, informed by the work of Mathew and his team, is to
make sure that the high standards of our best employers become
the benchmark against which all employers are judged. And as the
world of work changes, our practices and laws can properly
reflect and accommodate those changes.
‘And in doing so, we start from a position of strength.
‘Since 2010, the number of people in work is up by 2.9 million.
‘The unemployment rate is the lowest it has been since 1975.
‘And there are now 828,000 fewer workless households since 2010 –
a reduction of 21 per cent.
‘Youth unemployment is down 375,000 since 2010 – and long-term
youth unemployment has halved.’
…
‘We will build on the strengths of our labour market. While
avoiding overbearing regulation, we will make sure people have
the rights and protections they need.
‘That means building on our high employment rate and low
unemployment rate – and continuing to strive for full employment.
‘It means retaining the flexibility that people value, and
recognising that most employers treat their staff not just fairly
but well.
‘It means remaining a home to innovation, new ideas and new
business models, and recognising the risks and difficulties which
those striving to build their own business face – not just on day
one, but every day.
‘But it also means finding the right balance of rights and
responsibilities, flexibilities and protections.’
