Unite, the UK’s leading union, has launched an apprenticeship charter it will be lobbying employers to sign up to.
The charter sets out minimum standards employers should abide by (see notes to editors for full charter).
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite represents thousands of young people in apprenticeships and is totally focused on defending and improving their jobs, pay and conditions. Unite is lobbying employers up and down the county to sign up to our charter to ensure fair wages and treatment are baked into their apprenticeships.
“Apprenticeships should be a career pathway to skilled and secure work. While many employers offer this, the government needs to do more to stop bad bosses using apprenticeships as a source of cheap labour with training and contracts that go nowhere.”
The charter covers fair treatment and respect, pay and employment rights, training and development, health, safety and welfare, progression and opportunities, voice and representation and apprentice responsibilities.
Unite national young members coordinator, Frazer Lake, said: “Unite supports apprentices in defending their rights, improving standards, and building strong futures across all industries. Apprentices who want support with workplace issues and to improve wages and working conditions should join Unite – there is power in a union.”
