Greater Manchester’s Good Employment Week inspiring workers

• The week (24 to 28 November) dedicated to promoting the value of good employment has been organised by Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter and backed by Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham
• Good Employment Charter and the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) release research suggesting that good employers experience higher productivity and profitability
• Good Employment Charter also introduces an interactive quiz to help employers and employees understand their rights in the workplace

Returning for its third year Good Employment Week is inspiring employers in Trafford and across the city-region to prioritise good employment practices and to empower workers with the knowledge of what they should expect from their employers.

This year’s week comes as the Employment Rights Bill, currently is progressing through Parliament and represents the most significant reform of employment law in over thirty years. Designed to deliver on the government’s Make Work Pay agenda, the Bill aims to tackle low pay, insecure work, and outdated employment practices.

“Every year, Good Employment Week gives us a chance to reflect on the kind of working lives we want to build —for ourselves, our communities, and our economy.

“As the country prepares for the introduction of the Employment Rights Bill, we have a real opportunity to raise awareness of the protections every worker should expect — such as a ban on exploitative zero-hours contracts and new rights from day one of employment.

“This year, our message is bold and clear: good employment is your right.” Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester.

CLES: The national organisation for local economies has recently tested these findings in Greater Manchester by gathering financial data from Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter-affiliated organisations and by conducting a series of interviews.

Whilst not conclusive, their financial analysis indicates that – of the 50 affiliated organisations who had financial data reported in 2019 and 2023 – most experienced real-terms growth in turnover per employee in that period.

This research suggests that good employers — those who invest in employee well-being, satisfaction, good pay and supportive work environments — experience higher productivity and profitability.

This week, the Charter is urging organisations to prepare now by embedding good employment practices that foster trust, engagement, and productivity.

“Every day I see proof that organisations that invest in fair pay, secure work, employee voice, and inclusive practices get tangible business benefits. Good employment fosters trust and engagement, reduces turnover, and unlocks the full potential of the workforce. In a competitive economy, we know these factors contribute to higher levels of productivity.” Ian MacArthur, Director of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter

To help everyone by sharing the best employment practice, the Charter have introduced a Good Employment Week ‘Know Your Rights Quiz’ that will help everyone understand the changes that are coming in a fun but informative way.

Anyone interested in learning more about Good Employment can register for events online– for more details and to find out all the full programme of events visit https://goodemploymentweek.co.uk/.

To read the full CLES Research click here – https://www.gmgoodemploymentcharter.co.uk/reports/