Celebrating five years of championing good employment practices

The Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter is celebrating its fifth anniversary, marking half a decade of championing good employment practices across the region, including Rochdale.

Launched in 2020 with just six members, the charter has grown into a widely recognised initiative promoting fair pay, secure work, and inclusive opportunities.

It now boasts 128 members and nearly 1,000 supporters, collectively impacting the lives of more than 200,000 employees across Greater Manchester.

Among its members are organisations from various sectors, ranging from small businesses like The Burnside Centre and Tomorrow Cardiovascular Limited to major employers such as Northern Care Alliance and The University of Manchester.

Rochdale businesses have been actively engaged in this movement, demonstrating a commitment to fair and ethical employment practices.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Today, we’re celebrating a significant milestone – the 5th anniversary of the first employers achieving membership of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter.

"As we celebrate five years of progress, I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has contributed to our success – our members and supporters, the charter team, and the wide range of partner organisations who have championed our movement.

“The charter began with a clear ambition: to make Greater Manchester a place where working for a good employer is the norm, not the exception. Our members and supporters have made a clear commitment to fair pay, secure work and flexible working – and in return benefit from better productivity and staff retention.

“But our mission is far from over. We want to grow our movement even further and raise employment standards in all jobs across Greater Manchester.”

The charter has helped employers foster better workplace environments, ensuring employees are treated fairly, valued, and provided with development opportunities. Many Rochdale-based businesses have embraced these values, reinforcing the borough’s reputation as a great place to work.

Electricity North West’s people and corporate services director, Rachael Parr, said: “We’re proud to have been one of the first businesses to join the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter.

“Five years has flown by and as the region’s power network operator, with half of our customers in Greater Manchester, we recognise the key role we play in the success of the North West so it’s important we do the right thing for our colleagues.

“The charter is a fantastic way of sharing best practices, validating the work we are doing and it also promotes the need to engage and listen to employees. We’ve moved from strength to strength each year and we look forward to the next five years being part of a fantastic group.”

Ian MacArthur, director of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, said, “The world of work has changed dramatically over the past five years, but the charter has offered a constant framework enabling Greater Manchester’s employers to create supportive, happy and productive workplaces, despite the social and economic upheavals.

"Charter members now regularly report higher retention rates and increased productivity.

“Looking ahead, the charter is now the place where employers of all sizes and sectors can join others in readiness for the forthcoming employment rights legislation.

"To be part of the good employment movement, employers should sign up as a charter cupporter. The charter will continue to lead the way to ensure Greater Manchester is synonymous with good work and opportunity for all.”