Last weekend was a chance to reflect on the first 100 days of this Labour Government.

I’m proud that we have taken the first steps towards bringing our railways back into public ownership, introduced a Renters’ Rights Bill to provide better protections for people from rogue landlords, and committed to rolling out free breakfast clubs at schools from April, breaking down another barrier to opportunity for our children.

But there’s a long way to go to rebuild our public services and to shift how our country works so that people feel it is working for them.

Last week the government introduced the Employment Rights Bill which represents a significant step towards improving the lives of working people across the country, and I was pleased to see it welcomed by both business groups like the CBI, and Trade Unions alike.

For too long, workers have been facing insecure contracts, low pay, and a lack of protection in the workplace.

This legislation will create a stronger safety net for everyone, especially the most vulnerable workers. 

The Bill will deliver secure contracts, fair pay, enhanced rights and improved workplace protections, bringing an end to the practice of fire and rehire.

It will also put in place measures to give employees basic rights from their first day in a new job, including greater protection against unfair dismissal and sick pay from day one.

It will tackle the misuse of zero-hours contracts, giving workers more predictable hours and income, taking away the uncertainty for employees wondering whether they will have enough shifts to pay their rent.

This legislation will also enforce higher standards across industries by offering stronger safeguards for health and safety in the workplace, and it will also make flexible working the default where practical.

The Employment Rights Bill is about restoring dignity, fairness, and respect to the workplace, ensuring that everyone has the right to decent, secure, and fairly paid work.

I was struck by CBI chief executive Rain Newton-Smith’s comments: “The Government deserves credit for its willingness to engage with businesses and unions on how to make a success of the Plan to Make Work Pay.

“It’s that willingness to work together that can ensure we find the right landing zone and improve living standards by avoiding the unintended consequences that businesses have warned against.”

Government, businesses and workers all pulling together in the same direction is exactly what we need to get back to sustainable economic growth, so we can rebuild our public services and create a fairer future for all.

I will be pushing to ensure this Bill becomes law so we can build that fairer future for every worker in Mid Cheshire.