SDLP Foyle MP Colum Eastwood
This includes the 48-hour working week, rest breaks at work and inclusion of overtime pay when calculating some holiday pay entitlements.
Mr Eastwood also supported calls to urge the British government to legislate to end “Fire and -re-hire policies.
Said the Foyle MP: “Last night, I voted in support of maintaining employment rights and protections as well as calling for the British government to introduce legislation to end ‘fire and re-hire’ policies.
“I was joined by Labour, the SNP and others in demonstrating our unequivocal support for fundamental employment rights for workers.
“The DUP and the Tories didn’t even show up to vote, showing just how serious they are taking workers’ rights during this pandemic which has seen thousands in the North lose their jobs.
“The Coronavirus pandemic has had a massive effect on businesses and jobs all over the North.
“Many people financially struggled through Christmas and are now faced with a bleak year ahead.
“Some businesses have taken advantage of this by looking to fire and re-employ workers on severely worse terms than before, including severely reduced pay and conditions.
“It’s become clear that several businesses, most notably British Airways, have used ‘fire and re-hire’ tactics to force their already hard-pressed staff into accepting a new contract which will leave them worse off, or face the risk of redundancy.
“Fire and re-hire practices include sacking staff and then seeking to re-employ them on significantly reduced terms. With families to support and houses to run, many will feel forced into accepting these unfair changes.
“Workers need security at these times.
“The British government must introduce legislation to bring these anti-worker and exploitative fire and re-hire practices to an end. “
