There are five main points covered by the Warwick Agreement:
Fairness at work
Pensions
Public services
Manufacturing
Other commitments
There are many principles covered by each heading (see separate sheets), including statutory pay and paid holidays, protection for pensions, sanitation improvements in the NHS, healthy eating in schools, expansion of skills programmes in the UK and more stringent limitations on interest rates and fees.
Future developments
There is a small sector that believes a new, more relevant version of the Warwick Agreement is required to clamp down on some aspects of public services. John McDonnell MP is one of this group, quoted as saying: “Central to this Warwick Mark II programme should be the end of privatisation, the promotion of public ownership and public services, and the implementation of the Trade Union Freedom Bill.” Another prominent character in this is Jon Cruddas MP, who puts a lot of emphasis on policy change and improving Trade Union rights.
Principles covered
Fairness at work
Four weeks paid holiday for all, exclusive of bank holidays.
Legislation on corporate manslaughter in the next parliamentary term.
Investment in Research and Development to rise to 2.5% of national income.
Improve credit export facilities.
Ensure Regional Development Agencies produce manufacturing strategies through working with employers and Trade Unions, and assist manufacturers to find new markets.
Other commitments
The Royal Mail to stay in public hands, with telecom regulation to focus on service choice and reliability as well as network
competition.
An immediate review of National Insurance Lower Earnings Limit to help lower paid workers get benefits.
The New Deal to provide help to unemployed over 50’s.
Action to tackle unethical labour agencies in the health sector.
Further action to tackle domestic violence and support those at risk.
Legal limits to stop rip-off interest rates for credit.
Stronger company disclosure on social, ethical, and environmental issues.
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