'All work should be fair and decent with scope for fulfilment and development' -- this is the message of Good Work, Matthew Taylor's review of modern working practices, commissioned by the Prime Minister from a former adviser to the Labour government.
Responding to concerns about the gig economy, precarious work and low wages (all of which are prevalent in the food sector), the review argues that flexibility 'is a good thing'. In fact it uses as an example the case of McDonald's, which offered fixed-hour contracts to 115,000 of its zero-hour staff, but found that 80% of them chose to remain on flexible terms.
However, the report stresses that Britain's well regulated workplaces are a national strength. And it notes that 'bad work' -- insecure, exploitative and controlling – is bad not just for the health, wellbeing and prosperity of the individuals affected, but also of wider society. It makes a number of recommendations to improve the quality of work, including laws to define what it means to be genuinely self-employed. Read the report here.
The Sustain alliance campaigns for greener, healthier and fairer food systems. Find out more about our work and support us here.
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
