Search

How can we help?

Icon

Manchester’s Good Employment Charter

Last week, over 60 businesses in the Greater Manchester Combined Authority volunteered to refrain from using zero-hours contracts by signing up to the Good Employment Charter.

The Charter was created by the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham. It aims to promote better working conditions, consultation with workers, and flexible working as well as more training and routes for progression. In addition to clarifying employees’ income and working hours, signatories are expected to pay their employees the UK living wage, which is higher than the statutory national living wage (the UK living wage is currently £9.00 an hour and the London Living Wage is £10.55 an hour). In addition, employers are expected to avoid using “unnecessary forms of insecure employment” such as temporary, zero hour or agency contracts.

The Good Employment Charter also stands to benefit employers who sign up, as they increase the liklihood of being awarded public procurement contracts in Greater Manchester given that the council may consider the social value of businesses tendering for public contracts. Further, signatories to the Charter will be eligible for investment from its GM Business Fund, which has invested more than £116m in 100-plus businesses over the last few years.

60 businesses in the Greater Manchester Combined Authority volunteered to refrain from using zero-hours contracts.

With 100 more potential signatories in negotiations to adopt the Good Employment Charter, there is speculation that the movement could pick up steam in light of the growing awareness around employees’ welfare. London has a Good Work Standard accreditation scheme and there are also similar good work charters in cities such as Derby, Birmingham and Liverpool. However, Manchester is leading the way with their Good Employment Charter being the most comprehensive scheme.

Whilst good work charters are popular with employees, it is up for debate as to whether employers outside of Manchester will follow suit and consider whether a scheme such as the Good Employment Charter could improve morale and productivity in their organisations.

About this article

Disclaimer
This information is for guidance purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice. Please refer to the full General Notices on our website.

About this article

Read, listen and watch our latest insights

art
  • 02 July 2025
  • Employment

Day One Rights: What the New UK Employment Bill Means for You and Your Workplace

Let’s unpack what’s changing in the UK Employments Rights Bill, and why it matters, and what both employees and employers should expect.

art
  • 01 July 2025
  • Privacy and Data Protection

Data protection compliance: tricky issues for employers

This article highlights key issues organisations may face when processing personal data and stresses the importance of a proactive approach. It also outlines tailored training packages to support compliance and build internal expertise.

art
  • 26 June 2025
  • Employment

A shift in EHRC guidance on single sex spaces in the workplace

In a recent significant shift, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (“the EHRC”) has quietly amended its guidance on single sex spaces in the workplace.

art
  • 25 June 2025
  • Immigration

Immigration Changes in Statement HC 836 – what do they mean?

The UK government has released its latest Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 836), with shocking implementation dates throughout July 2025.

art
  • 20 June 2025
  • Privacy and Data Protection

Data Protection reform receives Royal Assent: What is the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUAA) and what it means for your business

The UK’s data protection framework is about to undergo its most significant change since the UK GDPR came into force. After months of parliamentary debate, the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (‘DUAA’) has successfully received Royal Assent.

art
  • 18 June 2025
  • Employment

Pride Month: How Can You Celebrate as an Employer

The UK held its first Pride Parade in 1972, inspired by events held in major American cities following the Stonewall rebellion in New York in June 1969.