10. What are the Welsh Government's plans for making Wales a 'fair work nation'? OAQ(5)0570(FM)

I am in close discussion with our social partners on fair work and the steps we can take together so that more people have access to good work and a secure income. Tomorrow I’m meeting with our social partners, the Wales TUC and business organisations to discuss the establishment of a fair work commission.

I thank the First Minister for his answer, although he did make this announcement in his Labour Party conference speech back in the spring, and it’s disappointing, given developments at a UK level, that this fair work commission hasn’t been established. According to the most recent data I’ve been able to find, Wales is among the least fair nations in terms of work in these islands: 45,000 people are classed as being low-paid self-employed, 60 per cent of temporary workers want but cannot get permanent jobs, and 42,000 people are on zero-hours contracts. When he eventually gets round to establishing a fair work commission, can he give a commitment that part of its terms of reference will be to review all previous and current trade union legislation as they relate to devolved areas, so that we in Wales can take the spirit that his Government has shown in relation to the Trade Union Act 2016 and amend all regressive anti-trade union legislation in this country?

Well, I wouldn’t want to prejudge the discussion that takes place tomorrow, but I take on board what he has said. It’s hugely important that we get support and buy-in from all sectors of industry as we look at fair work. In addition to working with social partners, I have also already asked the Public Policy Institute for Wales to undertake some work on this—specifically in terms of defining what fair work is. We can have an idea of what fair work looks like, but it’s hugely important to define it as strongly as possible in order for the commission’s work to be effective.

Thank you, First Minister.