Issue - meetings

“Doncaster Council notes that:-

·         1 in 10 workers have experienced 'fire and rehire', told to reapply for their jobs on worse pay, terms or conditions or face the sack, with BME workers facing this at twice the rate of white workers.  Since March 2020 (TUC research January 2021), a quarter of all workers have experienced a worsening of their terms and conditions since the pandemic began.

·         That whilst the Prime Minister has called the practice ‘unacceptable’ he and his Government have continually refused to take action to outlaw the practice, raising concerns that they will not intervene in this race to the bottom as an escalating number of employers across all sectors abuse our weak employment protections to force their staff to accept worse terms and conditions, leaving many having to work longer hours and for lower pay, with what can be devastating consequences for workers and their families.

·         Even before the pandemic, 1 in 9 workers, 3.8 million people, were already insecure, meaning they did not have access to basic rights at work and could be dismissed at will, including those on zero hour contracts and agency workers.

Doncaster Council therefore resolves to:-

·         Support local residents, through their Trade Unions, against such unprincipled employers and write to the Prime Minister demanding the Government outlaw fire and rehire and act now to keep his promise to local residents to protect their employment terms and conditions.

·         Not use fire and rehire itself as an employer and to prevent its use by Council contractors, by ensuring the Council has a procurement practice that ensures we are working with contractors that have good employment, trade union, equality, environmental records and appropriate policies.

·         Promote the increasing number of progressive local employers prioritising their employee’s standard of living and their wellbeing, work with our anchor institutions and key partners to bring forward plans to ensure all have best practice employment and to work with recognised trade unions on this.

·         Support the TUC campaign for a New Deal for working people.”

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.1, a Motion was submitted by Councillor James Church, and Seconded by Councillor Gemma Cobby:-

“Doncaster Council notes that:-

·                1 in 10 workers have experienced 'fire and rehire', told to reapply for their jobs on worse pay, terms or conditions or face the sack, with BME workers facing this at twice the rate of white workers.  Since March 2020 (TUC research January 2021), a quarter of all workers have experienced a worsening of their terms and conditions since the pandemic began.

·                That whilst the Prime Minister has called the practice ‘unacceptable’, he and his Government have continually refused to take action to outlaw the practice, raising concerns that they will not intervene in this race to the bottom as an escalating number of employers across all sectors abuse our weak employment protections to force their staff to accept worse terms and conditions, leaving many having to work longer hours and for lower pay, with what can be devastating consequences for workers and their families.

·                Even before the pandemic, 1 in 9 workers, 3.8 million people, were already insecure, meaning they did not have access to basic rights at work and could be dismissed at will, including those on zero hour contracts and agency workers.

Doncaster Council therefore resolves to:-

·                Support local residents, through their Trade Unions, against such unprincipled employers and write to the Prime Minister demanding the Government outlaw fire and rehire, and act now to keep his promise to local residents to protect their employment terms and conditions.

·                Not use fire and rehire itself as an employer and to prevent its use by Council contractors, by ensuring the Council has a procurement practice that ensures we are working with contractors that have good employment, trade union, equality, environmental records and appropriate policies.

·                Promote the increasing number of progressive local employers prioritising their employee’s standard of living and their wellbeing, work with our anchor institutions and key partners, to bring forward plans to ensure all have best practice employment and to work with recognised trade unions on this.

·                Support the TUC campaign for a New Deal for working people.”

Following the Chair affording Members in the Chamber the opportunity to speak on the Motion, an amendment was MOVED by Councillor Glenn Bluff and Seconded by Councillor Jane Cox, that the paragraphs at bullet points 2 and 7, be deleted.

A vote was taken on the amendment to the Motion proposed by Councillor Glenn Bluff, which was declared as follows:-

For - 11

Against - 32

Abstain - 1

On being put to the meeting, the amendment to the Motion was declared LOST.

A vote was taken on the Motion which was declared as follows:-

For – 43

Against – 0

Abstain – 1

On being put to the meeting, the Motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED that Doncaster Council notes that:-

·                1 in 10 workers have experienced 'fire and rehire', told to reapply for their jobs on worse pay, terms or conditions or  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45