A major let down not levelling up says South West TUC
TUC Regional Secretary Nigel Costley says 'Dorset's been left behind again'
Dorset's been left behind again according to the Regional Secretary of the South West TUC.
Nigel Costley's described the government's white paper as a major let down, not levelling up.
He said:
“Disappointingly, this Paper confirms Dorset has been left behind once again.
“This government’s much talked-about, long overdue plan to level up our region is a major let down.
“It simply rehashes old money and crucially, fails to provide a serious plan to deliver decent, well-paid jobs across the South West, including Dorset.
“Because if don’t level up our workplaces, we won’t level up our region.
"Insecure work and low pay is rife in many places and industries in Dorset. And for too many families, being in work is no longer enough to pay the bills and put food on the table.
“The country is facing a serious cost-of-living crisis. Working families need action now to improve their jobs and pay packets – especially after more than a decade of lost pay.
"Ministers should have announced a plan to get real wages rising – starting with a proper pay rise for all our key workers as well as the introduction of fair pay deals for workers in scandalously low-paid industries.
“And they should have delivered the long-awaited employment bill to ban zero hours contracts – as well as new, meaningful investment in skills and good green jobs of the future.
"Without a plan to deliver decent work, millions will continue to struggle on low wages, and with poor health and prospects.”
TUC Poll into levelling up priorities
Recent polling published by the TUC found the British public’s number one priority for levelling up is more and better jobs.
The TUC polling, conducted by YouGov, reveals that the most popular priority for levelling up, chosen by one in two Britons, is increasing the number and quality of jobs available.
What are the "12 missions" ?
Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove has announced the "12 big missions" the Government wants to achieve by 2030 in order to improve the lives of those outside London and the South East.
Mr Gove has said that the strategy is not aimed at providing these areas with no funding, but ensuring that the money is spent effectively on local priorities.
In all, the White Paper includes 12 national "missions" to be achieved by 2030 to be enshrined in a flagship Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill.
They are:
A growth in pay, employment and productivity everywhere.
Improving the gap between he top and worst performing areas.
'Increase domestic public research and development outside the Greater South East increase by at least 40%'.
Improving local transport systems to be that akin to London's.
Access to 5G broadband to the "large majority" of households.
Every part in England to get a 'London-style' devolution deal if wanted.
'Eliminating' illiteracy and innumeracy from primary schools.
Increasing the number of those with high quality skill training.
Decreasing the gap between healthy life expectancy.
The number of poor quality rented homes halved.
Rejuvenation of the most run down town centres and communities across the country.
A significant decrease in crime in the most disruptive areas.