Our views on the priorities for the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee

Creation of a prosperous, fair and sustainable economy in Wales should be a central feature of the committee’s scrutiny of government

• The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on pre-existing inequalities underline the need for a fair recovery to be a central focus of the committee’s future work.
• There has been a rapid rise in self-employment in recent years. Considering it greater detail – having remained relatively overlooked in economic discourse in Wales- would be an opportunity to understand how the Welsh Government is building this part of the workforce and economic activity into its actions for the economy.
• A quarter of the workforce in Wales does not earn enough for a basic standard of living. One in twenty-five is on a zero-hours contract. The Welsh Government has outlined a “something for something” ethos in its economic contract to drive responsible business behaviour. The committee is well placed to scrutinise how the contract is operated and enforced and where the best opportunities are for maximising its impact.
• Inequalities between places are a key issue. Given the Welsh Government’s encouragement of regional collaboration, scrutiny of this will be vital in understanding how it is addressing the needs of disadvantaged places. Keeping a watching brief on the development and work of Corporate Joint Committees will be important across this term.
• Recent reports of shortages of labour affecting food, logistics and hospitality offer a snapshot of issues associated with economic adjustments taking place as well as post-Covid recovery. An inquiry into these trends, their impact on workers and businesses and the Welsh Government’s response to them can help inform a coherent and robust approach to labour and skills development.

Format:  PDF

Language: English 

Pages:  2

Cost:  Free

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