Marvin OnumonuBlackpool Council has launched a fair employment charter to improve job standards and working conditions in the town.
The scheme, developed with local residents, employers and trade unions, aims to raise employment standards, improve job quality and support economic growth in Blackpool.
The charter is open to all local employers at no cost and uses a modular framework, allowing businesses to choose specific areas to focus on such as job security, fair pay, flexible working, workplace conditions and staff development.
Employers can apply for one of three levels of recognition, with level three being the highest, and those meeting the highest standards across all modules receive full accreditation.
The council said the scheme’s impact could be measured over time by looking at things like the proportion of people in training and employment, higher average earnings, more permanent jobs and a stronger local workforce.
Councillor Jo Farrell (pictured, centre right), cabinet member for communities and wellbeing at Blackpool Council, said: “This is a significant step towards building a fairer, stronger economy in Blackpool.
“By encouraging good employment practices, we are not only supporting local workers – we are also creating the conditions for business success, talent retention, and sustainable growth.
“Inspired by successful models in other regions and shaped by Blackpool’s specific needs, the charter offers employers a simple yet impactful way to improve the workplace environment, ensuring that Blackpool remains an attractive and thriving place to live and work.”
Blackpool Council is working with local business networks and employment services to support employers with staff training, template policies, recruitment and mentoring.
Blackpool Transport Services Ltd was one of the first organisations to join the charter, achieving level three accreditation.
Jade Bambrook, head of organisational development at Blackpool Transport, said: “We are delighted to have been working with Blackpool Borough Council to pilot the Fair Employment Charter.
“As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome the Fair Employment Charter as a means to encourage not just Blackpool Transport, but all local businesses to make progressive changes which can positively impact the health and wellbeing of employees.
“We’re proud to have achieved the top level in the charter and will continue to support, develop and engage our colleagues at every level.”
