First Minister Mark Drakeford will today (Wednesday) meet the first Welsh employers to sign a charter which will make a real difference to the quality of life of their younger workers.
At an event at the Senedd, Mr Drakeford will meet representatives of Careers Wales and Cardiff Council for a special signing of the #RespectYourYouth Charter, developed by the public services union, UNISON Cymru Wales. A delegation of young workers will also be present.
UNISON’s young members are lobbying all employers to sign their Charter because they argue young people’s prospects are deteriorating across Wales.
UNISON’s #RespectYourYouth Charter has five demands: the implementation of the Real Living Wage irrespective of age, quality apprenticeships, fair employment, workplace equality and increased training opportunities.
Tanya Palmer, UNISON Cymru Wales acting regional secretary said,
“Wales has one of the highest levels of youth unemployment in the UK and many apprenticeships do not offer real training or a progression route.
“Young people have been disproportionately hit by the UK Government’s severe spending cuts and face university tuition fees, increasing use of zero hour contracts and a “living wage” that pays younger people less than their older colleagues.
“We have to do better by our young people and that’s why it’s so important Welsh employers sign our #RespectYourYouth Charter. Well done Careers Wales and Cardiff Council for showing that all employers can take practical, important steps to help the next generation.”
Mark Drakeford AM said:
“We are working hard to make Wales a fair work nation where we support all workers and invest in young people. I am delighted Careers Wales and Cardiff Council are adopting UNISON’s #RespectYourYouth Charter. The Charter makes sense for employers and government too. I encourage other organisations and politicians to sign up and give young workers the best possible start in life.”
Mark Drakeford was the first Assembly Member to sign the #RespectYourYouth Charter in November 2018 during Young Workers’ month.
Notes for editors
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A photo of the Charter signing with Careers Wales; Cardiff Council; First Minister Mark Drakeford AM and UNISON young members can be made available on request – contact Alastair Gittins below.
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The Charter will be signed at 11.30am, Wednesday 26 June 2019
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UNISON Cymru/Wales #RespectYourYouth Charter can be found here.
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A video on UNISON Cymru/Wales Young Members’ work can be found here.
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Link to Careers Wales
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Link to Cardiff Council
Contact
Alastair Gittins, UNISON Press Officer on 07816 53 83 97