Received from: Prospect
Congress believes that effective, evidence-based regulation is essential to the proper functioning of our economy, the health and wellbeing of our society, and environmental protection.
However, the UK is currently falling short on all counts.
Post-Grenfell there is a renewed appreciation of the public value of social, safety and environmental regulation – which has been weakened by decades
of deregulation.
The Brexit negotiations have put into question the future of UK regulatory regimes and their relationship with European agencies and standards.
Congress is concerned that:
i. vital regulatory agencies like the Health and Safety Executive, Environment Agency and Civil Aviation Authority have lost capacity and expertise due to cuts in budgets and staffing
ii. successive governments have increased risks to individuals, society and the environment through promotion of ’light touch‘ approaches and crude deregulatory targets
iii. strategic industries such as energy, transport and communications have been subjected to economic regulation that has prioritised cost-cutting over investment, safety, universal service and decent employment standards.
Congress calls on the General Council to include:
a. demands for properly resourced regulatory agencies in its campaigning for public services
b. consideration of the role of regulation in TUC work on industrial strategy and inclusive economic growth.
Prospect
AMENDMENT
- Add at the end of paragraph 3:
“As highlighted in the debate over employment tribunal fees, workers’ ability to enforce workplace regulation relies on access to effective representation during the litigation process.” - Add new sub-paragraph c. at end:
“c. a campaign to oppose the proposals in the Civil Liabilities Bill that would remove representation for workers when attempting to enforce workplace regulations.”
Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers