2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:34 pm on 5 October 2021.

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Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour 2:34, 5 October 2021

Thank you. In relation to fire and rehire, we're very concerned by the practice of imposing new terms and conditions on workers through the tactic of fire and rehire, and we're very clear that that sort of practice is absolutely not consistent with our values of fair work and social partnership. We encourage all employers to resolve difficult and challenging issues through social partnership, but, of course, as you say, it is a matter for the UK Government—they do have reserved powers to end the irresponsible use of fire and rehire practices, and we've certainly called upon the UK Government to act in this respect. Certainly, we would expect firms who benefit from public investment to act in a spirit of social partnership, and that absolutely should focus on the well-being of their workers and the wider public interest. Mike Hedges will be aware of the steps that we're taking to strengthen our approach, through the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Bill, which, when it's introduced, and if it's passed, will then introduce new duties in relation to social partnership.

In relation to continuation of working from home and hub working, Welsh Government advice is you should work from home wherever possible. As we know, that does make a big difference to preventing the spread of COVID-19. And I think what we've seen is old ways of working will not probably—well, I think they're very unlikely to return in exactly the same way, and we've certainly seen many businesses and employees stating a desire for a new pattern of work, which allows people to work in the workplace, at home, near home, or even in a local work hub. So this, I think, is something that—. That type of flexible working from businesses and from employers I think also strengthens local communities as well and the local economy, and I think it is certainly something that we will see continuing.