“Modern serfdom” claims Labour’s Liz as Archbishop condemns Zero Hours

“Modern serfdom” claims Labour’s Liz as Archbishop condemns Zero Hours

Modern working conditions are returning to a form of “serfdom” for some local employees according to Labour campaigners.

The claim comes after the Shadow Chancellor, John McDonnell, laid out plans at this year’s Trades Union Congress for a future Labour government to give “gig economy” workers similar rights to people in permanent work, including eligibility for sick pay; maternity pay and similar benefits.

Government figures reveal that there are 77,000 people in the North West on a zero-hours contract, which the TUC believes may well be an underestimate. Across the country, over 900,000 are officially recognised; a figure that’s more than tripled since 2012.

Strong condemnation of their working conditions also came from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who told those assembled:

” We still do today, many of the things that were done in the past in different forms. Things that diminish human dignity and treat labour as a mere resource, like capital… Today there are some who view that kind of oppression of the employed as a virtue. The gig economy zero hours contract is nothing new, it is simply the reincarnation of an ancient evil.”

Labour’s candidate for Southport, Liz Savage, says workers in the town on such contracts will readily recognise this picture of job insecurity and exploitation:

“ It may work out for a few without major commitments but for many, being on a zero-hours contract means never knowing how much cash you’ll have coming in next week. It means constant worries about paying bills and supporting your family – even though you’re working whenever you can. Living with that kind of stress can have an awful impact on your health and your relationships.

The Archbishop referenced the conditions of 1930’s dockers but made clear it goes back further, to me it’s little more than a modern form of serfdom. Zero-hours contracts are cruel, unjust and exploit employees.

The workplace pendulum has swung far too far away from common decency. The next Labour government will ban these appalling contracts, we’ll up the minimum wage to £10 an hour and we’ll stop the anti-trade union laws that prevent workers getting together to demand better pay and conditions. ”

Labour says its programme of reform will restore the balance between employer and worker; modernise structures and extend the opportunity for employees to share collectively in the benefits of ownership.

Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell told the TUC’s 150th Congress:

“The massive growth in zero hours contracts and the gig economy have produced a workplace environment of insecurity not seen since the 1930s.

Labour’s common sense approach will forge a new workplace environment best suited to meeting the challenges of Britain’s ongoing low productivity and the emerging fourth industrial revolution.”

caption JMC1: Labour candidate Liz Savage and Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell discussing local business issues with Southport BID. (Credit – Samantha Fulstow)

Photo Caption Justin Welby: Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, speaking at the TUC conference. (Credit – Channel 4 News)