Today at the NI Assembly, MLAs from the Economy Committee heard evidence from trade union leaders and experts on the anticipated Good Jobs Employment Bill.
There were detailed questions from MLAS on all aspects of the legislation, following a presentation from ICTU Assistant General Secretary Gerry Murphy during which he told the committee,
the consultation on the proposed Good Jobs Bill contains 31 proposals under four themes. 19 or over 60% of these simply align Northern Ireland with Britain’s standards. The remaining 12 proposals are under active consideration by the British Government also and are essential to ensure workers in Northern Ireland are not left behind again. However, parity should not be our only ambition.
We welcome the package of proposals to be brought forward in the proposed bill and reflected in the recent consultation. We see it as a commitment to raising the minimum statutory floor of working conditions here. We support this because the evidence shows that poor quality jobs have a negative effect on workers, the economy and society. A Good Jobs Bill will play a significant role in addressing several key economic policy issues in Northern Ireland.
Poor-quality jobs are bad for workers and their families. Insecure jobs, with unstable hours, where workers do not have a voice, and where the workers ability to balance their work with their life is difficult, creates stress, burnout, and an increased risk of illness directly affect workers’ mental and physical health. The academic and research evidence is crystal clear that bad jobs have a negative impact on workers’ health and living standards.
Economic inactivity comes up time and again as one of Northern Ireland’s most pressing economic issues. Nearly 27% of working-age people in Northern Ireland are defined as economically inactive. While there are numerous reasons for people not participating in the labour market, research has consistently shown there to be a strong link between economic inactivity and poor job quality.
The rationale here is not hard to understand. When people face unstable or low-quality jobs, such as those with zero-hour contracts or precarious work, they are less likely to enter or re-enter the workforce. While zero-hours contracts are sometimes presented as flexible options, in practice, an unstable income, uncertain hours and lack of job security, makes them a high-risk choice.
The quality of jobs also impacts on productivity, another key issue for us all. Our economy has, by any measure, underperformed over the last two decades. It needs to move toward a high-productivity model of economic development, and this is a policy goal which has a cross-party consensus.
The evidence is clear - investing in good jobs - functions as a driver of productivity
Mr Murphy told the MLAs.
Poor-quality jobs are linked to high turnover, slower innovation, and lower productivity, leading to broader societal costs, including higher healthcare expenses and lost tax revenue. Raising the minimum floor for wages and working conditions can mitigate these negative factors.”
The Good Jobs Bill will also go some way in addressing the disparities between responsible employers, who offer fair wages and decent working conditions, and those who rely on exploitative, low-cost labour models. Many ethical businesses face competition from unscrupulous employers using precarious and exploitative work practices to keep costs down. By establishing these minimum standards, the bill will help create a fairer environment that encourages and gives cover to employers that invest in their workforce.
