TUC Chief Urges Public to Remember Christmas Day Workers Including Clergy
Paul Nowak, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), has urged the public to spare a thought for the estimated 1.2 million people working on Christmas Day, including clergy members. This group includes care workers, nurses, NHS staff, and some union-member clergy who open churches, deliver services, and ensure heating and safety during the holiday.
The recent enactment of the Employment Rights Act, which received Royal Assent last week, is being described as a Christmas present for workers. This legislation aims to end exploitative zero-hours contracts, drive up pay, and reduce insecure employment.
From April next year, up to eight million workers will begin to receive sick pay from day one for the first time. Additional rights offered by the Act are expected to come into effect over the next 18 to 24 months, further improving conditions for workers, including ending exploitative zero-hours contracts.
