This landmark legislation was laid before the Senedd on Tuesday 7 June 2022. Welsh Government intends to bring the Bill into force as quickly as possible, and on current plans we hope the legislation will receive Royal Assent in April/May 2023.
The Bill fulfils a Programme for Government commitment to place social partnership on a statutory footing in Wales. It aims to enhance the well-being of the people of Wales by improving public services through social partnership working, promoting fair work and socially responsible public procurement.
The Bill brings together four principles:
- Social Partnership – business/employers and worker representatives working together to discuss matters of common interest and to develop solutions to the challenges they face.
- Socially Responsible Procurement – taking action when purchasing goods, works and services, to improve economic, social, environmental and cultural wellbeing.
- Fair Work – a range of potential activities undertaken by employers in agreement with the workforce, which contribute to well-being and improved public service delivery.
- Sustainable Development – doing things now in a way that takes into account the impact on people living their lives in Wales in the future.
The Bill builds on the already extensive history and success of social partnership and other collaborative working partnerships in Wales.
To find out more please visit: Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Bill | GOV.WALES. A number of resources are being developed to support the Bill, including a Components Map which outlines the key provisions of the Bill and main provisions of the legislation. The following resource is also available: Easy Read Guide.
Keep up to date on the Bill, by signing up to the Social Partnership newsletter. The newsletter provides regular updates on the progress of the Bill, details of key dates and events from across social partnership and fair work and access to newly created resources. Click on the link to subscribe: Subscribe to the Social Partnership newsletter | GOV.WALES.