Modern rights at work April saw the implementation of a number of measures from the Labour Government's landmark Employment Rights Act, a manifesto pledge at the 2024 General Election These changes are being introduced gradually across 2026 and 2027, allowing employers time to prepare and ensuring that workers have clear information about their new rights. This Bill represents the biggest reset to workers’ rights in a generation and, as previously happened with the National M

An eventful month at home and abroad March saw the Chancellor's Spring Statement. This contained much positive news about Britain's economy - especially on inflation, growth and public finances. However, this soon overtaken by the outbreak of hostilities in Iran and around the Middle East that has caused another unwelcome energy price shock. Challenging failure in local NHS Trust Late March saw the announcement by the Health Secretary Wes Streeting that Hull University Teachi

Preparing for the jobs of the Future While much of the media attention during February concerned various scandals and conflicts, going almost under the radar there were signs in improvement in everyday economic issues. The UK's economic growth continued to lead the G7, retail sales grew 4.5% over the year, Government finances recorded the biggest-ever surplus and inflation fell further - hopefully enabling further interest rate cuts to boost housing and businesses. Despi

Getting rail electrification on track Over the past 20 years, I have supported the cross-party campaigning, alongside the Humber business community, to electrify rail around the Humber. In 2013 there was even a privately-financed initiative to achieve it that was blocked by the then Conservative government in November 2016. The incoming Labour Government in 2024 was clear that to achieve higher levels of economic growth, we need every region and nation of the UK to play a p

A budget for working families The most important event during November was the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget. The impact of national and world events in recent years mean that many people are still finding it hard to make ends meet. This is why one of the main themes of the Budget was helping working families with the cost of living, along with protecting our NHS. Rail fares will be frozen for the first time in 30 years and the bus fares cap, so important around Hull, sta

The period going into the Autumn after party Conference season is always a busy one in the constituency, at Westminster, and on the political calendar generally. Below is a brief account of my work over the past month. To stay in regular touch in ‘real time’ with my Ministerial, Parliamentary and Constituency work, please follow me on social media and see Department for Work and Pensions - GOV.UK and Spoken contributions of Dame Diana Johnson - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament