THE Labour government’s ambitious “Make Work Pay” initiative, designed to enhance pay and productivity in the workforce, has come under critical review from various stakeholders as it gears up for a significant parliamentary introduction this Thursday. While the government touts the plan as a transformative step towards economic growth and worker empowerment, opposition from business leaders and internal party factions suggests a potentially rocky road ahead.

The plan, which includes ending zero-hour contracts, instituting day-one rights for bereavement, parental leave, and strengthening statutory sick pay, aims to revolutionize worker rights in what could be the most significant reform in decades. However, the Institute of Directors (IoD) has flagged concerns about the practical implications for businesses, particularly around the proposals to allow unfair dismissal claims from day one of employment. This change, they argue, could lead to an increase in employment tribunal claims, putting additional pressure on already stretched tribunal resources, and requiring businesses to adopt more rigorous dismissal processes.

Adding to the business community’s worries, Reed Smith LLP, a global law firm, highlighted the potential complications the proposed reforms could pose, especially regarding the increased management time required to adhere to new employment protection measures. They suggest that businesses should start reviewing their current recruitment and probationary practices in anticipation of these changes.

Criticism has not only come from the business sector but also from within Labour’s own ranks and affiliated unions. A significant point of contention has been the alleged dilution of earlier commitments such as sectoral collective bargaining and national fair pay agreements. Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, has openly criticized the government for what she perceives as a retreat from initial promises, describing it as a “betrayal” of workers. She warned that failing to deliver the reforms as originally promised could result in a loss of union support for the party.

The New Statesman also reports that there are concerns about the plan’s ability to address the needs of workers with health conditions effectively. Critics argue that the reforms lack the necessary active government interventions to support individuals struggling in the workplace due to health issues, which could leave a significant portion of the workforce unsupported in practical terms.

Despite these challenges, the Labour government remains steadfast in its commitment to pushing through with its reforms, viewing them as crucial to reshaping the UK’s economic landscape and enhancing the living standards of its workers. The coming weeks will be critical as the government seeks to navigate the complex landscape of political and economic interests to deliver on its promises.

As this pivotal legislation approaches its parliamentary debut, all eyes will be on how these debates will unfold and what compromises, if any, will be necessary to secure a path forward for this landmark reform effort.

ARCHAELOGY enthusiasts and history buffs are in for a treat this November as the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s popular Archaeology Daymakes a return.

This full-day event offers a rare chance to explore the incredible archaeological discoveries made locally, with expert speakers sharing their groundbreaking work and uncovering the region’s hidden past.

This year’s line-up will include Ken Murphy, who led the Dyfed Archaeological Trust over many years until its recent merger with the other four regional Archaeological Trusts in Wales as Heneb: the Trust for Welsh Archaeology. In what promises to be a fascinating talk, Ken will reflect on the remarkable achievements of the Trust over its near 50-year history.

Dr. Rob Dinnis, a specialist in Palaeolithic archaeology, will also be on hand to share insights from his recent work at Wogan Cavern, Pembroke – revealed by recent excavations to be an early prehistoric site of international significance.

Also speaking is Luke Jenkins, a field archaeologist and prehistorian with Heneb, who will shed more light on Pembrokeshire’s prehistoric past with a spotlight on discoveries made during excavations ahead of the A40 improvements.

A talk from prehistoric and contemporary art specialist, Professor George Nash, will focus on the Trellyffaint Neolithic Burial Chamber, where research has revealed a much wider ritualised landscape dating back to around 3000 BCE.

Adding to the excitement, Professor Mike Parker Pearson, a leading expert on British prehistory, will present the latest findings from the Stones of Stonehenge project, including new insights into the Preseli bluestones and recent excavations at Crosswell.

And finally, Tomos Jones, the National Park Authority’s archaeologist, will give an engaging presentation on a volunteer monument monitoring scheme that has been safeguarding local archaeological sites since 2020.

Tomos said: “Archaeology Day has long been considered one of the highlights of the year, offering a remarkable opportunity for our community to connect with Pembrokeshire’s rich heritage. With an incredible lineup of speakers, this event promises to be a true feast for anyone passionate about uncovering the fascinating stories of our past.”

Archaeology Day 2024 will take place at Pembrokeshire College on Saturday 9 November 2024, between 9.30am and 4.30pm. Tickets are available from https://pembrokeshirecoast.bookinglive.com/book/add/p/238 at a cost of £25 per person, which includes lunch and refreshments. 

Presentations from previous Archaeology Day events can be viewed on the Archaeology Day YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/DiwrnodArchaeolegArchaeologyDay.

THE Port of Milford Haven has supported the Pembroke River Restoration Project with funding for over 600 trees, associated items such as mulch, canes and tree guards, and volunteers.

The pilot project, which aims to improve the water quality of Pembroke River and the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC, is supported by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Pembrokeshire County Council, the Port of Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, West Wales Rivers Trust, Dwr Cymru, Wildlife Trust South and West Wales, Pembroke Town Council and Pembrokeshire Nature Partnership.

It was initiated through Pembroke Town Council following concerns from residents and businesses in the town about the increased nutrient levels in the Pembroke River, which, combined with high summer temperatures, were resulting in annual algal blooms in the Pembroke Millponds. Furthermore, increased nutrient levels are found in the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC into which the Pembroke River flows. The Pembroke River Restoration Project team has set out to resolve this issue by installing fencing to control the movement of livestock in and around watercourses, reducing nutrient input and siltation, as well as planting trees and woody material along a catchment of the river to reduce silt and encourage diverse stream flow. This will improve water quality, habitat creation and flood management.

Donating an assortment of trees such as hawthorn, alder, beech and downy birch, the Port of Milford Haven helped with the setup for an acre of the river corridor. Staff from the Port have also volunteered their time to help maintaining the trees installed.

Jack O’Shea, Energy and Decarbonisation Manager for the Port of Milford Haven and eager volunteer for the project, commented: “It has been a pleasure to work alongside the organisations and individuals who have rallied together to bring this inspiring project to fruition and to have the opportunity to make a positive contribution to our local communities and the natural environment in which we operate and enjoy. The Port of Milford Haven is very excited to follow the project’s progress and are eager to observe the positive social, economic and environmental impacts that come as a result of the hard work from all involved.”

Commenting on the project, Peter Howe, Green Infrastructure Officer at Pembrokeshire County Council said: “This project is a landscape scale project, which hopes to improve water quality issues, to reduce such impacts further downstream that ultimately affects the Waterway The help and support of the Port of Milford Haven on this part of the project has created a riverine woodland habitat which is beneficial to improving water quality”.

Andrew Lewis, Marine Opportunity Catchment Officer for NRW, lead NRW officer on the project said: “I am pleased to have delivered a demonstration project within the Pembroke River catchment. Hopefully, this project will show the benefits of similar intervention work to all our partners and to landowners. For the work to truly have an impact the work needs to be continued at a catchment scale.”

Pictured: Jack O’Shea, Energy and Decarbonisation Manager at Port of Milford Haven, Peter Howe, Green Infrastructure Officer at Pembrokeshire County Council.