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Both workers and businesses need flexibility. It is how we can keep people working even during the most difficult moments of the recession, working fewer hours, putting jobs above pay rises. We need flexibility. But we must


stop flexibility being used as the excuse for exploitation. Exploitation which leaves workers carrying all of the burdens of unpredictable hours, irregular pay, no security for the future. And nowhere is that more true than when it comes to zero hours contracts. Of course, there are some kinds of


these contracts which are useful. For doctors, or supply teachers at schools, or sometimes, young people working in bars. But we know that zero hours contracts have been terribly misused. Click here to watch my contribution


to Labour’s Opposition Day Debate on Zero-Hour Contracts: http://tinyurl.com/o3ry58w You can also read my piece for the Guardi- an on why the abuse of zero-hour con- tracts must stop. Here - http://tinyurl.com/pch4xxe


I’ve been Shadow Business Minister for over two years now and I’ve really enjoyed the various pieces of legislation and issues that I’ve campaigned on. My brief which includes employment relations, consumer and postal affairs has been challenging and wide ranging but one with significant issues that affect our everyday lives - whether it’s your rights at work, payday loans or simply posting a letter. I was therefore delighted to receive a


call from Ed Miliband during the recent reshuf- fle asking if I would continue as part of the Shadow Business, Innovation and Skills team,


but also take on a new role as Shadow Minister for Trade and Investment, whilst retaining re- sponsibility for employment relations and postal affairs, but not consumer issues. UK trade is hugely important for


growth in our economy, but business invest- ment here is £2 billion less than what it was a year ago. I’m very much looking forward to my new responsibilities and to exploring how La- bour can help business across the UK export more, as well as holding the current govern- ment to account for their decisions.


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