by René Lavanchy
UNIONS say they are seeking to take the lead on training in the workplace, by calling on Labour to strengthen and sweeten apprenticeships as part of its next general election manifesto.
The proposals – which call for access to apprenticeships to be widened, a link between the schemes and public procurement and the extension of the minimum wage to apprentices – are said to be at the core of the “Warwick II” agenda, which unions will put to Labour’s National Policy Forum later this month.
And shop workers’ union USDAW have publicised another agenda item this week, by calling on the Government to provide more financial support to carers.
Both proposals form part of what the Labour Party’s 16 affiliated unions hope will be seen as a progressive programme with broad electoral appeal.
The news comes as Gordon Brown appeared to confront unions demands last week by telling reporters there would be “no return to the 1970s” on union rights. However, a union source close to policy negotiations told Tribune that a return to seventies-style legislation was “an agenda which isn’t there”.
Construction union UCATT is leading the demand for more apprenticeships, which they say are needed in their sector. A spokesperson said: “The employers are simply failing to train sufficient people. Demand’s going up and and the number of apprentices is going down, and the industry’s in crisis over it.”
A report released by UCATT this week says that construction employers have only recrutied a fraction of the 88,000 apprentices needed to supply the industry. The report calls on Government to require companies applying for public sector building contracts – the single biggest source of construction business – to require a minimum amount of apprenticeships.
Unions also want to see apprentices paid the minimum wage, which UCATT says will help prevent “horrendous” drop-out rates. Currently apprentices under 18 do not have to be paid at all.
Meanwhile, USDAW has asked the Government to improve its carers’ allowance, which it says does not do enough for working carers. Currently, only carers earning less than £95 a week can claim the £50 allowance. General secretary John Hannett said: “Our members need to work to live and many have to balance that with caring for children or elderly or disabled relatives”.
The GMB union is continuing with its call for a more redistributive taxation system and higher rates of National Insurance for top earners. General secretary Paul Kenny told BBC Radio 4 last week: “We think that’s right and fair and it’s socially just that they should pay more to balance out people on lower incomes.”
However, unions are likely to be dismayed by a forthcoming Government report on vulnerable workers. The Financial Times has reported that it will rule out an extension of the role of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority – a key Warwick II demand.
The GLA, which regulates workers in the agricultural and shellfish sectors, does not cover the construction industry. Unions complain that exploitative employers have responded by moving into construction. A source said: “I can’t see us letting [the policy] drop.”
