13. Short Debate: Fate of the coalfields: the impact of devolution on coalfield communities; the current challenges they face and some questions regarding their future prosperity

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:25 pm on 11 March 2020.

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Photo of Mick Antoniw Mick Antoniw Labour 6:25, 11 March 2020

Can I thank the Member for a really impressive and comprehensive analysis of the serious challenges affecting many of our coalfield communities? Can I first of all, though, say that I think we need to put on record our thanks for: the work that the Coalfields Regeneration Trust actually does in supporting enterprises, business regeneration, community facilities; and CISWO, the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation, which provides social help to families formerly connected with the mining industry: and also the National Union of Mineworkers, who give so much assistance in terms of pensions, in terms of industrial disease, and other parts of the legacy of the mining industry?

What the report highlighted to me is that, although employment is improving in numbers, a third of the people in work are part-time, there is a high level of low pay and a growth in self-employed and zero-hours contracts. Would you agree with me that this really highlights the importance of the social partnership Bill that the Welsh Government is planning to bring, in terms of bringing ethical standards of employment? Because it's not levels of employment that is the issue, it's the quality and the security of employment.