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MP calls for greater focus on workplace rights as sectors re-open

A Glasgow MP has urged prospective and current employees to be aware of their rights at work ahead of hospitality and other retail re-opening in areas set to go down to Level 3

Ahead of the normally busy Christmas period, the SNP’s Stewart McDonald, MP for Glasgow South, has offered guidance and encouraged employees to stay informed about their workplace entitlements – such as minimum wage and break periods – and asked employers to help support their workers in understanding such rights.

Unfair working practices have continued to be highlighted, with local Glasgow resident Ellen Reynolds launching a petition to ban unpaid work trials after recently being asked to work five hours for free.

People who have not received the minimum wage they are entitled to can report it to HMRC, and free, clear and confidential guidance about any kind of dispute or query about the workplace is available at ACAS or by calling their helpline on 0300 123 1100.

Commenting, Stewart McDonald said:

"Whilst it is important that we do what we can to help businesses get back on their feet, particularly in areas that faced the tightest restrictions, this cannot be to the detriment of potential and current employees, many who will be suffering mentally and financially as a result of the effects of the pandemic.

"Of course, most businesses are not putting unfair working practices upon prospective and current staff, but we must be able to assist those workers who are subject to such distasteful abuse of their working rights.

"I have long campaigned on such issues, and even presented a Bill to ban unpaid work trials, yet I still hear horror stories such as people being asked to work hours unpaid, without knowing if they will even get the job or if there even is one available.

"Whether on minimum wage, sick pay, break entitlement or work trials, we must all play our part to ensure everyone is treated fairly and properly for the work that they do, which is more important than ever as these isles try to recover from COVID.”

Notes

• Stewart McDonald workplace rights guidance, winter 2020: https://www.stewartmcdonald.scot/news/worktrialsontrial/mp-offers-rights-at-work-guidance-ahead-of-christmas-/
• Petition to UK Government and Parliament to ban unpaid work trials: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/550276?fbclid=IwAR2ilfCnM5iwHx3eVARJLxRmGQfK98TmCWLEcMMMheRxrwlsQHSI-xrWHK4