IGN index of fair employment charters

A key priority for local inclusive growth strategies is increasing the availability and accessibility of well-paid, good jobs within a place. Central to these efforts is engaging and supporting local employers to deliver good jobs – jobs that are secure, pay a living wage, prioritise staff wellbeing and offer skills development and progression.

Fair employment charters are one way of encouraging good jobs. Charters define the key elements of good work, support local employers to achieve these, promote best practice, and are increasingly being linked to local levers such as procurement and investment.

The index, which includes links to the respective local charters, shows that:

• Training and development, Living Wage, health & safety, and mental health & wellbeing are the most common commitments amongst charters or factors in definitions of good work (10+ out of 15).

• Many focus on job security, minimum guaranteed hours, trade union membership, employee involvement / voice, and environmental sustainability (7-8 out of 15)
• Fewer include progression, apprenticeships, flexible working, inclusion and diversity monitoring, training & recruitment, school & community outreach, employment & training provision for local residents, and use of local suppliers / guaranteed payment (4-6 out of 15).