Greater Manchester’s Good Employment Charter model revealed

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester

Leaders across Greater Manchester have agreed a Good Employment Charter to encourage and support employers to identify and provide good jobs, deliver opportunities for people to progress and develop, and help the city region become more productive.

The model for the Charter has been co-designed and put together with input from business owners, employers and employees across the city region, and involved two public consultations to develop and agree the proposals. The Charter will have a tiered approach to help support and encourage employers to share excellent practice, access support to progress to higher standards, and help them become more successful as a result.

The three tiers identified through the consultation process are:

• Tier 1: Supporters - for those employers who support the aims of the Charter and Greater Manchester Strategy, but are not yet in a position to meet the requirements of accreditation.
• Tier 2: Membership – requiring employers to demonstrate excellent practice in key characteristics of employment practice, these are:

1. Secure work;
2. Flexible work;
3. A real living wage;
4. Workplace engagement & voice;
5. Excellent recruitment practices & progression;
6. Excellent people management;
7. A productive & healthy workplace.

• Tier 3: Advocates - employers who meet high standards in all the key employment characteristics to be Members, and then go out to other employers to encourage them to raise employment standards and join the Charter process.

Following agreement of the approach by the Combined Authority, the Charter process will now be finalised and implemented over the coming months.

The Charter was also recommended by the recent Greater Manchester Independent Prosperity Review as an important element for increasing economic growth and pay in the city region.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said: “I want Greater Manchester to be the best place to live, work and invest. So, we went out and asked how we could achieve that, and we’ve listened to what people have said.

“We have introduced a journey that we want employers to take, they will be encouraged to provide jobs which are secure, fairly paid and fulfilling, with opportunities to progress and develop. As employers move through the journey, we will make Greater Manchester an area of excellence.

“Providing good employment is a win-win for Greater Manchester businesses. We know that those employers who are best at engaging and supporting their employees are the most successful.”

TUC North West Regional Secretary, Lynn Collins said: “As Greater Manchester continues to grow and be successful, it is important that we recognise those making this happen – the employers who pay staff a living wage and treat them fairly and the workers on which the success is built. The charter gives us an opportunity to champion those who meet the standards set and help others improve along the way. This will be a win-win for all – the economy will continue to grow, employers can see benefits of improved morale and productivity and workers will feel their contribution is valued.”

Employers interested in being involved in the implementation of the Charter and to find out more should contact: goodwork@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk