07 September 2016

General Secretary of the National Union for Journalists (NUJ) Michelle Stanistreet has welcomed new policy proposals from the Institute of Employment Rights (IER).

The IER's Manifesto for Labour Law sets out 25 recommendations for the next Labour government, with its principle aim to shift the focus away from a reliance on statutory minimums, and towards pay and conditions that are collectively agreed at sectoral and enterprise level.

Authored by 15 leading labour lawyers and academics from some of the UK's most prestigious universities, the Manifesto draws on a broad evidence base and comparisons with major European competitors to propose a new legal framework for the UK.

Co-Author of the Manifesto John Hendy QC explained: "The perception of trade unions in the UK has become largely separated from reality. Negatively slanted media stories have painted a picture of the labour movement as the enemy of economic resilience but from looking at the data and comparisons to similar economies, we know the opposite is true.

"Re-establishing widespread collective bargaining (required by international law) has been shown to raise wages, diminish inequality, and boost productivity. Workers with more spending power create demand for products and services, which fuels higher levels of employment.

"Promoting greater wealth and opportunity among those on lower incomes stimulates what we call a virtuous circle of growth, in contrast to today’s vicious circle of plummeting wages, low opportunity, and widening inequality."

Michelle Stanistreet described the Manifesto as "an excellent educational tool, providing an alternative narrative and a blueprint for the future".

"Once again, the Institute of Employment Rights has shown why it continues to play an essential role at the heart of the labour movement. This Manifesto offers ideas, analysis, facts and policy proposals all rolled into a well-presented and easy to read publication," she said.

Read more about the Manifesto and support our charity to raise awareness of a brighter alternative by purchasing your copy for just £10