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A scheme to improve the quality of work in part of the North East has signed up its 65th employer and now covers around 40,000 workers, organisers have said.

The Good Work Pledge was first announced in 2020 by the North of Tyne Combined Authority, with companies getting accredited for commitments to valuing employees, promoting health and wellbeing, communication with staff and giving them representation, having a balanced workforce and demonstrating social responsibility.

A total of 65 organisations – ranging from large corporations to small businesses – have received accreditation, with recent new sign-ups including Northumberland theatre company Mortal Fools, startup cleaning business Eco Steam and accountants Robson Laidler. North of Tyne mayor Jamie Driscoll praised companies for showing commitment to the workforce at a time when many are under significant cost pressures.

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He said: “There are jobs and there are good jobs. They’re not always the same thing. Do they pay enough? Are they secure? Are there opportunities to learn and develop and are staff fairly represented?

“As we stare down the barrel of a cost of living crisis, good work matters more than ever. Thank you to those companies and charities that have taken the pledge.

“Every employer in the region should aspire to be a good employer. Every employer should sign our Good Work Pledge.”

Robson Laidler’s director of people and culture, Amy Park, said: “Robson Laidler is proud to have achieved recognition in the North of Tyne Combined Authority’s Good Work Pledge’. Our purpose as a business is to ‘make a positive difference to people’s lives’, and our people and culture are at the heart of this.