Retail trade union Usdaw has welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s first statement to the House of Commons, praising his focus on economic growth, the cost of living and the crisis facing Britain’s high streets.
Usdaw General Secretary Joanne Thomas said the union welcomed Burnham’s commitment to build on Labour’s achievements during its first two years in government and backed what she described as his emphasis on “problem solving rather than point scoring”.
Responding to the statement, Thomas said:
“We join with the Prime Minister in paying tribute to Keir Starmer and welcome that Andy Burnham has today set out how he intends to build on Labour’s achievements during their first two years in Government.”
“His approach of problem solving rather than point scoring will be essential to delivering the change our members need. The focus on growth, particularly addressing the crisis on our high streets, and the cost of living is welcome.”
Usdaw urges full delivery of Labour’s New Deal for Working People
The union also used its response to press the Government to deliver Labour’s New Deal for Working People in full.
Thomas said this must include a right to a guaranteed-hours contract for everyone, arguing that stronger employment security is a matter of fairness and could also help support local economies.
“We look forward to working with Andy Burnham to deliver Labour’s New Deal for Working People in full,” she said.
“That must include the right to a guaranteed hours contract for everyone, which is a matter of basic fairness.”
Usdaw argues that better employment rights can support both workers and businesses by improving living standards and putting more money into local economies.
Thomas said: “It is about having an economy with better jobs and higher living standards, where more people have money to spend, giving a much-needed boost to our high streets.”
She also rejected claims that stronger employment protections would harm responsible businesses.
“Good employers have nothing to fear from these rights, which will help to prevent them from being undercut by employers who exploit workers on insecure contracts,” she said.
Usdaw represents around 370,000 members, with most working in retail but significant numbers also employed in transport, distribution, food manufacturing and other industries. Burnham’s first Commons outing as Prime Minister saw him take 125 questions over more than three hours. Labour MPs including Josh Fenton-Glynn praised the performance, while he also paid tribute to Sir Keir Starmer.
The union’s response provides an early show of support from the Labour movement for Burnham’s priorities, while also making clear that delivery on workers’ rights will be an important test for the Government.
