Sarah Murphy: Diolch, Llywydd, and congratulations to you and David on your election as Llywydd and Deputy Presiding Officer. First Minister, over the election campaign, businesses across Bridgend and Porthcawl got in touch with me to pass on their thanks for the way that you and your Government have handled the coronavirus pandemic throughout the last year, particularly to acknowledge the financial...
Sarah Murphy: It was a—[Inaudible.]—to visit the Princess of Wales Hospital in my constituency of Bridgend last week, and meet with the incredible staff. They have been tremendous throughout the pandemic, and I know that everyone here today recognises, appreciates and thanks them for their bravery, for the sacrifices that they've made, and for their steadfast commitment to patient care. They and I...
Sarah Murphy: In my constituency of Bridgend, I am delighted that we have seen first hand a local authority and Welsh Government working together to protect housing developments and businesses in Porthcawl from the impact of climate change. As part of the coastal risk management programme, Welsh Government and Bridgend County Borough Council have jointly invested £6.4 million on sea defences that will...
Sarah Murphy: Will the First Minister outline the Welsh Government's plans to support young people seeking employment, education or training opportunities?
Sarah Murphy: At the start I'll declare my interest as a proud member of Unite, Unison, CWU and GMB trade unions. Thank you, Jack, for tabling this vital short debate today, and I echo everything that you've said. The position could not be clearer: the Tory UK Government has no intention of standing up for workers, so in their absence we must fight fire and rehire with solidarity and shame. Solidarity with...
Sarah Murphy: Thank you. I'd like to nominate Huw Irranca-Davies, please.
Sarah Murphy: 3. What assessment has the Minister made of the impact of innovative technology on the workforce? OQ56729
Sarah Murphy: Thank you, Minister. According to the TUC, one in four workers in Wales say that monitoring and surveillance at work has increased since the COVID-19 crisis began. This includes tracking and logging workers as they move via wristbands, including when they're on toilet breaks; forcing drivers to have to urinate in bottles because an algorithm has set them an impossible number of deliveries in...
Sarah Murphy: 8. What is the Minister's current assessment of the spread of the delta variant in Bridgend? OQ56742
Sarah Murphy: Diolch, Minister. During the election campaign, I met a lot of people who are very appreciative of the Welsh Government's handling of the pandemic, and particularly the First Minister's cautious approach to easing restrictions, as they are very scared and anxious about relaxing restrictions too quickly. The area I represent, Bridgend and Porthcawl, was one of the worst affected areas during...
Sarah Murphy: Diolch. Thank you, Minister. As another proud trade unionist, I very much welcome your statement and that Welsh Government is prioritising a Bill with fair work at its heart, and a commitment to promoting trade unions and collective bargaining, so that industry development and growth can benefit employers and employees. However, alarmingly, when myself and Professor Lina Dencik of the Data...
Sarah Murphy: What is the Welsh Government doing to help revitalise town centres like Bridgend?
Sarah Murphy: In my constituency of Bridgend, over 6,000 households rely on universal credit, and there are 4,375 children living in homes where their parents rely on this support. There is no denying that if we cut the £20 from these household budgets every week, it will have a huge impact. It is the difference between being able to pay your bills, buy new school shoes for your children, or putting food...
Sarah Murphy: How is the Welsh Government supporting innovation in the farming industry in South Wales West?
Sarah Murphy: First Minister, in my constituency of Bridgend, I have been asking residents about their experiences of contacting primary care. The feedback has ranged from 'very good' to people who felt that they have waited too long. I am concerned that this could particularly impact vulnerable people over the winter months. So, how can Welsh Government ensure that our GP surgeries have the best...
Sarah Murphy: I want to thank our First Minister for his continued work around young people and mental health, and in particular his commitment to early prevention and access to services. And, in the last year, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, which covers Bridgend and Porthcawl, has had a total number of 1,359 admissions to mental health services. Please would the First Minister provide an...
Sarah Murphy: This Welsh Government race equality action plan has come at a pivotal time, and I'm so pleased to hear our Minister say today that it's all about ultimately creating an anti-racist Wales. I just want to say as a new Member of the Senedd, as I haven't been able to contribute in the previous debates, in the wake of the brutal murder of George Floyd that sent shockwaves around the globe, I am so...
Sarah Murphy: I want to thank Huw Irranca-Davies for bringing this legislative proposal to the Chamber today. As a fellow Member of the Wales Co-operative Party, this Bill is at the heart of our core values to share power and wealth. Employee ownership allows employees to have a stake in the organisation of the businesses and a share of the profits, promoting a responsive, innovative and motivated...
Sarah Murphy: Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Backing local businesses is vital and that is why I am so happy to see the £1 million investment for the backing local firms fund from you today, Minister. I know in my constituency of Bridgend the difference that strong local businesses make, and they are the lifeblood of our communities all across Wales. I am especially pleased that this fund will prioritise...
Sarah Murphy: Llywydd, this year marks the fortieth anniversary of Seren Books, based in my constituency of Bridgend. Seren is Wales's leading, independent literary publisher, specialising in writings from across our nation. With publications spanning from poetry, fiction and non-fiction, I am proud of the award-winning work that the team has brought to us and the international stage. To quote them in...
