Queen’s Speech does nothing for economy, says CWU
9th May 2012
The Queen's Speech is a missed opportunity to do something
positive for the economy, the Communication Workers Union says
today, and instead promotes an anti-worker agenda undermining
employment rights.
Responding to one of the shortest Queen's Speeches
in recent years, CWU general secretary Billy Hayes
said "the detail is still scarce, but early indications are
not good for ordinary working people.
"Simply making it easier to sack people doesn't
encourage companies to hire staff, it just further undermines the
flimsy employment rights that UK workers already endure" Billy
explained in response to the announcement of reforming employment
regulations.
The speech included precious little detail of the Bills to be
brought before Parliament. These include a Draft Communication Data
Bill - dubbed a 'Snoopers Bill' - which would provide data
about online and phone communications to the police and
intelligence services. The government says this would not include
the content of messages, only the number or address of senders and
receivers and date, time and duration of communications. It is
unclear what the practicalities for telecom companies and internet
service providers are at this stage.
"We were hoping for some positive action to stimulate the economy, and create and protect jobs and services, but this has proved another missed opportunity by the Tory-led government," said Billy. "We welcome moves to reform the unelected House of Lords and to give shareholders greater power over executive pay, but it is unclear what real effect this will have at this stage. Overall, the negatives far outweigh the positives."
