WIREDGOV

More than 150 organisations have adopted the Welsh Government’s ground-breaking Code of Practice, helping ensure better working conditions throughout supply chains, Economy Minister Ken Skates has announced

The Minister will speak at an event in Wrexham to mark the milestone, which has been reached less than two years after the Code of Practice on Ethical Employment in Supply Chains was first launched in March 2017.

The code asks public, private and third sector organisations to commit to a series of actions which are designed to tackle illegal and unfair employment and working practices.

All organisations receiving funding from Welsh Government, either directly or via grants or contracts, are expected to sign up to the code.

Ken Skates said:

“We need to make Wales a more equal nation, where everyone has access to fair work that pays a living wage and where all workers can develop their skills and careers.  

“This ambition is at the heart of our Economic Action Plan, and it is why we developed our economic contract.  This makes it very clear that businesses must demonstrate their commitment to fair work if they want to access Welsh Government funding.

“The code helps address this, and it’s a pleasure to celebrate this milestone at the event.  

“The code covers a spectrum of practices – from criminal, through unlawful, unethical and on to the positive practice of paying the Living Wales.  

“The Economic Action Plan, our Code of Practice, and our ambition to be a Fair Work Nation – all contribute to the same objectives of promoting fair work, eliminating unlawful practice, and allowing our best employers to compete for contracts and customers on a level playing field.

“This is about providing our families and communities with access to secure work, a decent standard of living and prospects for the future.

“Moving forward I’m keen to build on this strong foundation and use our Economic Contract to encourage a greater number of firms in Wales to sign up to the code.”