occupational pensions. A commitment on pensions for same sex partners. Public services The extension of two-tier workforce protection in local government across the public services. A review of all National Health Service cleaning contracts on a test of cleanliness and not just the cost. Consultation with all stakeholders to monitor PFI, including future financial implications. Steps to develop staff roles, e.g., health care assistants to receive paid training and possible registration. A commitment not to transfer out the vast majority of NHS employees. Agreement to tackle unequal pay in local government. Measures to promote healthy eating in schools and evaluate the possible extension of the free school meals programme. Manufacturing Review and enhance investment funds for manufacturing support with a view to having the best support possible. Promote a public procurement which safeguards jobs and skills, encourages contracts to be given to UK firms for UK workers within EU law, and support a review of EU procurement policy. The Bank of England to consider regional and employment information when setting interest rates. A strong skills agenda, including The expansion of apprenticeships Rolling out Employer Training Pilots, supporting free training up to NVQ2 Action in sectors under-performing on skills, including possible training levies Union Learning Representatives trebled to 22,000. Investment in Research and Development to rise to 2.5% of national income. Improve credit export facilities. Ensure Regional Development Agencies produce manufacturing strategies through working with employers and Trade Unions, and assist manufacturers to find new markets. Other commitments The Royal Mail to stay in public hands, with telecom regulation to focus on service choice and reliability as well as network competition. An immediate review of National Insurance Lower Earnings Limit to help lower paid workers get benefits. The New Deal to provide help to unemployed over 50’s. Action to tackle unethical labour agencies in the health sector. Further action to tackle domestic violence and support those at risk. Legal limits to stop rip-off interest rates for credit. Stronger company disclosure on social, ethical, and environmental issues. Resources http://www.brc.org.uk/policycontent04.asp?iCat=42&iSubCat=406&sPolicy=Employment+%28UK%29&sSubPolicy=Warwick+Agreement http://www.gmb.org.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=94362&int1stParentNodeID=89645&int2ndParentNodeID=89660 http://www.amicustheunion.org/default.aspx?page=2824 http://www.amicustheunion.org/pdf/warwick%20agreement%20leaflet1.pdf http://newsweaver.co.uk/amicus/e_article000655215.cfm?x=b11,0,w http://www.tgwu.org.uk/shared_asp_files/GFSR.asp?NodeID=93339 http://www.dti.gov.uk/files/file11436.pdf Labour Party (UK) trade unions British trade unions history Labour relations in the United Kingdom History of the Labour Party (UK) 2004 in British politics 2004 in labor relations