APPOINTMENT OF DAVE WARD TO FAIR WORK AGENCY ADVISORY BOARD

APPOINTMENT OF DAVE WARD TO FAIR WORK AGENCY ADVISORY BOARD

The purpose of this LTB is to let branches know that I have been appointed as a trade union representative member of the Fair Work Agency Advisory Board.

The Fair Work Agency (FWA), launching in April 2026, is the government’s new employment rights enforcement agency. The FWA brings together existing labour enforcement agencies and new enforcement powers to ensure employers are compliant with employment law and that the newly introduced Employment Rights Act is complied with. It will have the power to investigate and take action against businesses who do not comply with the law, providing more security for workers across the country. The creation of the Fair Work Agency was a key pillar of the New Deal for Workers and will provide another method of enforcing workers rights, without always relying on the tribunal system. You can find out more about the Fair Work Agency here.

The Advisory Board of the FWA will shape the strategy of the agency and focus the management of its resources in a complex and quickly-evolving world of work. The Board is comprised of employer representatives, independent representatives and trade union representatives. I will be joined by Diana Holland, formerly of Unite and Mike Clancy, General Secretary of Prospect. This role does not distract from my responsibilities as General Secretary in any way.

This is a significant opportunity for trade unions to develop a truly effective strategy for the FWA, for both the present and the future, and ensure the vital policies contained within the Employment Rights Act are enforced properly and are not avoided by employers. Formal trade union representation in our key labour enforcement body is another step towards rectifying the imbalance in the world of work and bringing power back into workplaces across the country.

Please contact the General Secretary’s Department for more information or any questions at dlynch@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,                                   

Dave Ward                                                   

General Secretary    

LTB 088/26 – APPOINTMENT OF DAVE WARD TO FAIR WORK AGENCY ADVISORY BOARD       

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