Greens disappointed in lack of SNP commitment to hospitality fair work charter.
The Scottish Government’s lack of up-front commitment to a fair work charter for the hospitality sector is disappointing, says Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman.
This comes following the publication of an inquiry report by the Fair Work Convention, which made 12 key recommendations, including the creation of tax incentives for businesses that pay the Real Living Wage, developing accredited training for managers to champion fair work practices, and the creation of a single Fair Work Charter under which hospitality businesses can operate.
During portfolio questions in the Scottish Parliament, Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman asked the Government:
“The [Fair Work Convention’s] Inquiry recommends the establishment of a voluntary Fair Work Charter for Hospitality that stipulates a range of workers’ protections, from payment of the Real Living Wage and recognition of Real Living Hours to effective voice, robust anti-bullying procedures and “safe home” policies for all workers asked to travel to or from work after 11 pm.
“Can the Minister say how quickly he expects the Charter to be in place, what mechanisms will be in place if an employer breaches any aspect of the Charter, and how he expects public bodies, including local authorities, to support the implementation of the Charter?
“And will the Scottish Government incentivise the adoption of the charter through conditionality for public funding?”
Answering Ms Chapman’s question, the Minister for Employment, Tom Arthur, welcomed the findings of the inquiry; however, he failed to say when the Scottish Government would fully endorse the recommendations.
In response to the Minister’s answer, Ms Chapman said:
“This is a bit of a disappointing response from the Minister. I had expected at least a commitment from the Scottish Government to back the Fair Work Charter, but the Government has sidestepped this answer and said nothing.
“Just yesterday, at the launch of the report, the Minister for Employment said we need to do more to embed the fair work agenda into the structures of the hospitality industry. The Scottish Greens have been pushing to improve conditions for hospitality workers, ensuring every worker gets a real living wage and proper protections.
“We need to see conditions in the hospitality sector rapidly improve for workers; this is such an essential part of our culture and economy, and those working in it deserve clear protection.”