Read to the end for why Labour's been accused of breaking it's promise to casual workers, how China is tackling youth unemployment (you'll never guess) and life-saving border collie.
Morning team,
Evie Breese here this morning here and this week I’ve been getting my head around the he-said-she-said of what may well be yet another Labour U-turn.
Uproar has erupted over leaked documents, seen by the FT, that seem to suggest Labour could be rowing back on its 2021 promise to create a single status of worker. A cornerstone of Labour’s New Deal For Working People manifesto, the policy would eliminate casualised work, in which there is no guarantee of regular hours or pay, and limited employment rights such as sick pay and holiday pay, for all but the legitimately self-employed. (Here’s an excellent breakdown of the three current employment status’ that exist in the UK from Tribune’s Karl Henson). It’s undeniable that the policy would bring income stability to millions.
In what the FT called a bid to “woo corporate leaders and discredit Tory claims that his party is ‘anti-business’”, the party has said if elected, it will consult on the proposal in government, rather than introducing the policy immediately.
So why has Labour wobbled on its promise? Is it because, as Unite’s general secretary Sharon Graham accuses, because the party wants to “curry favour with big business”? Deputy leader Angela Rayner has defended the consultation as necessary to“ set out in detail how we will implement it”. The lines between the legitimately self-employed (think personal trainers) and bogus self-employed (delivery drivers) may indeed be hard to define in policy, even if our gut feeling gives a clear steer.
Insecure work is growing, magnifies structural racism, and has direct links to poverty. The gig economy is built on casual labour with minimal employer responsibility. Labour’s original policy would be a huge shake up to how such businesses are run, while mere tinkering with the proposals risks rendering them ineffective. Here’s hoping the backlash makes Keir Starmer think twice.
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What you need to know about work this week:
Pay rise please. Rishi Sunak told ITV News that pay rises should come as a reward for increased productivity. In recent months trade unions have taken issue with calls for wage restraint for low and middle earners. Recent TUC analysis found pay rises for the top 10% of UK earners had clearly outstripped the rest of the workforce and suggested that was a key driver of recent inflation and interest rates, not hikes for poorer workers.
Hustle and bustle. More Brits are turning their hobbies into money-making side-hustles, or full-blown businesses, in the quest to exit the 9-5. But is it always a dream come true to ‘be your own boss’? Eloise Hendy meets the people who came to regret it for The Independent.
Delayed justice. Workers who make claims to employment tribunals are being forced to wait 18 weeks more (60% longer) than in 2010, when the Tories took power, according to Labour. The opposition blamed the delays on government "mismanagement" and warned the system is at breaking point. From The Mirror’s David Burke.
Red light for green jobs. Shortages of expert staff and low pay in the green jobs sector are major barriers to achieving net zero, according to workers in the UK environment sector. The research, from trade union Prospect, found that important tasks were being assigned to inexperienced staff without expert guidance.
Youth of today.Gen-Z’s work ethic is often stereotyped as unambitious, with youngsters apparently ‘quiet quitting’ and seeking ‘lazy girl jobs’ to pass the time. This couldn’t be further from the truth, says Sir John Timpson, chairman of Timpson, known for their key cutting, shoe repairs and giving former prisoners a second chance. (£)
Nothing to see here. We usually focus on UK employment news at Working On It, but I simply couldn’t leave this. China has suspended publishing its youth employment figures after months of record high rates – more than 20% of young people in urban areas were unemployed in June. A spokesperson for the Chinese National Bureau of Statistics said the method of calculating youth unemployment needed to be reconsidered.
A global solution 🇺🇸
Claire Malfaro, a licensed professional counsellor living in Reading, Pennsylvania, has struggled to watch her son Michael Malfaro, 32, unable to put his talent for writing to good use. Michael is autistic and, despite holding a bachelor’s degree with honours in professional writing, “he interviews terribly”, says his mum. That leaves him – like many people on the autistic spectrum – underemployed.
Feeling there has to be a better way, Claire has set up the Positively Produced Foundation, to offer adults with autism employment that accommodates their needs, through changes such as reducing loud noises and minimising hectic, highly trafficked areas. Claire hopes employees will work on catering for hotels, and hopes Michael’s writing skills will help them secure grants to support their work. Read the full story in The Reading Eagle.
Working culture
When Sola Mahfouz was 11, men threatened to throw acid in her face if she continued her education. Defiant Dreams is a truly inspiring story of her journey to escape that life.
At the age of 16, without even the ability to add or subtract, she began to secretly educate herself. Using an extremely slow, dial-up internet connection, she accessed the online learning site Khan Academy, and in just three short years she was studying philosophy, physics, and college-level calculus.
Sola made it to the United States – you’ll have to read it to find out how – and her life as a researcher in quantum information at Tufts University is awe-inspiring. One to read if you need a reminder of the power of dreams, and perfect for a teen who needs a little inspiration if results day didn’t go their way.
Defiant Dreams by Sola Mahfouz and Malaina Kapoor is out now (Doubleday, £16.99). You can buy it from The Big Issue Shop on Bookshop.org, which helps to support The Big Issue and independent bookshops.
In the diary
Thursday 24 August. NHS consultants walk out for two days.
Saturday 26 August. All rail workers with the RMT will strike for 24 hours across 14 train operating companies.
Friday 1 September.Aslef train drivers strike for 24 hours.
Saturday 2 September. RMT train workers walkout for 24 hours across 14 train operating companies. Aslef train drivers will refuse to work over time for the same period.
Sunday 10 -13 September. The 155th annual TUC Congress will take place in Liverpool.
Tuesday 19 September. NHS consultants strike for another two-day period.
Wednesday 27 September.Creating a Good Jobs economy, lecture by Professor Dani Rodrik, at The Resolution Foundation.
Enjoying this newsletter? Check out Survival Guide, our newsletter on the cost of living crisis from my colleague Isabella McRae. We also have a cost of living help Facebook group with money-saving tips and positive stories.
Animals with jobs
“She was a normal pet dog. But then she really became my support dog as soon as I was homeless, living in a tent. She kept me sane – probably even alive,” said Big Issue vendor Bex Grass about her dog Poppy, who was sadly hit by a car and died.
This week’s Animals with Jobs remembers Poppy, and introduces you to Rainbow – who is our magazine cover star – in recognition of the important job our canine companions play in keeping us happy and healthy.
Does your cat/dog/garden fox/animal you saw on holiday participate in the daily grind? Nominate them today by sending me a photo to: evie.breese@bigissue.com
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