Agenda item

(time limit 30 minutes)

Motion 1: Strengthening the Online Safety Act
To be moved by Councillor Harrison
Seconded by Councillor Nasheen

Social media giants have displayed time and again that they cannot be trusted to self-regulate, the riots across the country in recent weeks showed how dangerous misinformation can be and how quickly it can spread online.

There was at least one doctored video circulating online in early August purporting to be of Aldi in Chadderton, not only was this video not filmed within the Borough of Oldham it was several years old. However, this caused a tremendous amount of community concern and even lead to Police resources being deployed to the scene.

It is urgent that we take proactive measures to enhance the safety and security of our online environment. We cannot allow malicious actors to spread misinformation online in an attempt to cause unrest and division and destruction.

The current Online Safety Act, while a significant step forward, requires strengthening to address challenges and ensure comprehensive protection for all users, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

This Council resolves:

·         to write to the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police and the Chief Superintendent for Oldham to thank them for the work their officers did to keep Oldhamers safe and violence off our streets.

·         to write to the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation & Technology to ask his Department:

o   to undertake a review of the Online Safety Act to identify areas for improvement.

o   to strengthen enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance and increase penalties for violations.

o   to provide resources and training for parents, schools, and third sector organisations to help them protect and guide children in the digital world.

o   to ensure victims of online abuse and crimes are supported.

Motion 2: A Welcome Start to Delivering the New Deal for Workers 
To be moved by Councillor Taylor
Seconded by Councillor Islam

The King’s Speech delivered on the 17th of July 2024 included plans for a new Employment Rights Bill. This bill builds on the previously announced New Deal for Working People and will enshrine much of the plan to make work pay, provide security at work and ensure the work life balance that everyone deserves.  

This Council notes: 

·         The Government’s commitment to improve workers’ rights, and terms & conditions across the UK. 

·         The key components of the New Deal for Working People, include: 

o   A ban on zero-hour contracts. 

o   A commitment to end ‘fire & re-hire’ practices  

o   Strengthening employment rights and flexible working from day one. 

o   Making sure work pays, with a genuine living wage. 

o   Better access to trade unions and fair representation in the workplace. 

This Council believes: 

·         That fair pay and decent working conditions are fundamental rights for all workers. 

·         That the measures proposed in the New Deal for Workers will significantly improve the lives of workers in Oldham 

·         That fair and decent work provides greater security, improves national productivity and increases economic opportunity for all workers.

·         That supporting these measures aligns with our commitment to social justice and economic fairness. 

This Council resolves to: 

·         Lobby for support for the Employment Rights Bill. 

·         Write to the Borough’s three MPs, the Deputy Prime Minister, and the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, reaffirming our support for the New Deal for Workers. 

·         Promote awareness of the New Deal for Workers in Oldham through our communication channels. 

·         Encourage local businesses to adopt the principles of the New Deal for Workers voluntarily, ahead of any legislative changes.