The following motion has been proposed by Councillor Turmaine and seconded by Councillor Trebar –

STOP FIRE AND RE-HIRE

This council notes:

UK companies are using the COVID-19 pandemic to change working practices and embark upon a concerted attack on employee pay and benefits with nearly one in ten workers being told to re-apply for their jobs on worse terms and conditions than before.

Across Britain, thousands of workers are facing a “levelling down” of pay, overtime, holiday benefits and working conditions as a result of “Fire and Re-hire” tactics. These tactics are being deployed by companies in Watford and across the country, in stark contrast to the government’s stated promises and priorities.

Workers are being given an ultimatum to either accept reduced pay and benefits or face the sack. This cannot be right. It is neither morally defensible, nor synchronised with creating a high wage, highly skilled economy.

Sir Kier Starmer, the Labour Party, the TUC and others have united in condemning this disgraceful attack on workers’ rights and day to day behaviour.

This council resolves to:

Write to Watford’s MP and request them to support the banning of fire and re-hire practices.

Write to the prime minister and urge him to bring forward legislation that prohibits fire and re-hire as is synonymous with his “levelling up” agenda.

Refuse to enter into contracts doing business with companies using these tactics, in so far as this is legally possible, utilising and updating all necessary policies to achieve this.

Council was informed that one motion had been received.

The motion was proposed by Councillor Turmaine and seconded by Councillor Trebar.  Following the publication of the agenda an amendment was submitted by Councillor Pattinson.  As a result of discussions between Councillor Pattinson and Councillor Turmaine the amendment was agreed and became the substantive motion.

“This council notes:

UK companies are using the COVID-19 pandemic to change working practices and embark upon a concerted attack on employee pay and benefits with nearly one in ten workers being told to re-apply for their jobs on worse terms and conditions than before.

Across Britain, thousands of workers are facing a “levelling down” of pay, overtime, holiday benefits and working conditions as a result of “Fire and Re-hire” tactics. These tactics are being deployed by companies in Watford and across the country, in stark contrast to the government’s stated promises and priorities.

Workers are being given an ultimatum to either accept reduced pay and benefits or face the sack. This cannot be right. It is neither morally defensible, nor synchronised with creating a high wage, highly skilled economy.

Labour and Liberal Democrat politicians in parliament have united with trade unions and others, across the political spectrum, to condemn this disgraceful attack on workers’ rights and day to day behaviour.

This council resolves to:

Write to Watford’s MP and request them to support the banning of fire and re-hire practices.

Write to the prime minister and urge him to bring forward legislation that prohibits fire and re-hire as is synonymous with his “levelling up” agenda.

                   Refuse to enter into contracts doing business with companies using these tactics, in so far as this is legally possible, utilising and updating all necessary policies to achieve this.”

                   Members debated the motion.

RESOLVED-

This council notes:

UK companies are using the COVID-19 pandemic to change working practices and embark upon a concerted attack on employee pay and benefits with nearly one in ten workers being told to re-apply for their jobs on worse terms and conditions than before.

Across Britain, thousands of workers are facing a “levelling down” of pay, overtime, holiday benefits and working conditions as a result of “Fire and Re-hire” tactics. These tactics are being deployed by companies in Watford and across the country, in stark contrast to the government’s stated promises and priorities.

Workers are being given an ultimatum to either accept reduced pay and benefits or face the sack. This cannot be right. It is neither morally defensible, nor synchronised with creating a high wage, highly skilled economy.

Labour and Liberal Democrat politicians in parliament have united with trade unions and others, across the political spectrum, to condemn this disgraceful attack on workers’ rights and day to day behaviour.

This council resolves to:

Write to Watford’s MP and request them to support the banning of fire and re-hire practices.

Write to the prime minister and urge him to bring forward legislation that prohibits fire and re-hire as is synonymous with his “levelling up” agenda.

Refuse to enter into contracts doing business with companies using these tactics, in so far as this is legally possible, utilising and updating all necessary policies to achieve this.