In a landmark move, all ten local authorities in Greater Manchester have pledged their commitment to providing fair and equitable employment practices by becoming members of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter. This significant achievement sets a new standard for good employment practices across the city-region, ensuring that all workers, including those employed by the local authorities, have access to opportunities for fair pay, proper support, and growth.
The Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, launched in 2019, is a voluntary membership and assessment scheme that recognizes organizations committed to upholding the highest standards of employment. The Charter now boasts over 100 Members, including businesses of all sizes and sectors, demonstrating the growing momentum towards a more just and equitable workplace environment.
The inclusion of Bolton, Oldham, and Rochdale councils in the Charter marks a significant step forward in promoting good employment practices across the city-region. These three councils join Bury, Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, and Wigan councils, as well as Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), in upholding the Charter’s core values.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham lauded the councils’ commitment to good employment, emphasizing the importance of local authorities, as key anchor institutions, in driving positive change. He highlighted the Charter’s role in ensuring that workers are not only paid fairly but also treated with respect and dignity, creating opportunities for advancement and growth.
Leaders of the three newly signed-up councils expressed their enthusiasm for joining the Good Employment Charter, emphasizing their dedication to creating a workplace culture that values and supports their employees. Cllr Nick Peel, Leader of Bolton Council, applauded the Charter’s mission to ensure that council staff feel valued, supported, and included, while Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, reaffirmed Oldham Council’s commitment to fostering a positive and supportive working environment for all employees.
Cllr Neil Emmott, Leader of Rochdale Council, underscored the Charter’s alignment with Rochdale Council’s values of investing in its employees and promoting local employment. He expressed pride in the council’s range of good employment initiatives and its commitment to upholding the Charter’s principles.
Ian MacArthur, Director of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, commended the achievement of having all ten boroughs as full Members, recognizing that this not only benefits council staff but also sets a clear example for other employers across the city-region.
This unanimous commitment by all ten local authorities in Greater Manchester to uphold good employment practices marks a significant milestone in promoting fair and equitable workplaces for all workers. The Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter serves as a beacon of hope for a more just and equitable future, where all workers are valued, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.
