Sorry We Missed You: A Film Screening and Q & A with Director Ken Loach
On 4th Feb GMLC hosted the widely celebrated director Ken Loach at our community screening of his latest film, Sorry We Missed You at the Klondyke Centre in Levenshulme. The event attracted almost 200 people who were treated to the film followed by a Q & A discussion with Ken on the issues raised.
The film follow the lives of a young family in the North East, the film is a raw and striking account of the detrimental human cost of the Gig Economy in modern Britain. As Ricky and Abbie struggle to cope under the relentless weight of zero-hour contracts in the pursuit of a better life for their children, we watched, mostly in horror, as the lack of stability launches the family into the midst of an uncontrollable chain of events that jeopardies not only their dreams of the future, but most importantly, their hope.
“We were anxious to tell the story of a good family – where there is no immediate problem that should destroy their lives except the conditions of their employment, for so many people can relate to this,” Ken told the audience.
With the film a mirror to the outside world, GMLC will be launching a zero hours employment advice service in partnerships with and the Zero Hours Justice Campaign who kindly sponsored the event.
Jo Seery, from Thompons highlighted that there was a legal recourse available to Ricky in the film in that he was entitled to both holiday and sick pay.
Ken said; “The thing is, this is not an accident. All the advances unions have made – minimum wage, safety, holiday pay, you don’t suffer when you’re sick – are all under attack. Ultimately, this is not the system failing, this is the system working.”
GMLC will be launching its zero hours campaign over the coming weeks and will look to link with unions, community groups and campaigning organisations to ensure that those working on zero hours have access to free advice regarding their rights, whilst highlighting the wider issues of poor employment practice and injustice that many face.
If you can join us in this campaign, or are directly affected by Zero Hours Contracts please get in touch with us at developworker@gmlaw.org.uk
