2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:21 pm on 6 November 2018.

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Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour 2:21, 6 November 2018

Thank you for that question. As you said, yesterday the First Minister launched Living Wage Week in Wales, announcing the new rate, and in doing so outlined many of the actions being taken by the Welsh Government to promote the living wage across the economy, reiterating the commitment in the programme for Government to take action on the living wage. This includes action right across the public sector—the Welsh Government, our sponsored bodies, NHS Wales, national parks and local authorities. You mentioned Cardiff Airport, they've just recently announced they are bringing forward their own commitment and, of course, our higher education institutions are also increasingly adopting it. I think we all need to make that commitment. We all need to talk about the living wage and to spread that message very widely.

You'll be aware, in parallel, earlier this year, the First Minister established the fair work commission. We are waiting for it to conclude its work. It's already met with a range of stakeholders, including trade unions, businesses and representative organisations. And I think probably after the commission has reported would be the appropriate time for the relevant Minister to bring forward a statement.