UNIONS united in hailing the passing into law of the Social Partnership Act in Wales today as a “historic” and “uniquely Welsh way of working.”

The Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act, aimed at improving public service delivery, passed into law in a ceremony at the Welsh government offices watched by union leaders.

The new Act will see the creation of a permanent Social Partnership Council for Wales bringing workers, businesses and public services together.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “Social partnership is a uniquely Welsh way of working.

“In Wales, we’re driving up the quality of work and employee rights thanks to open dialogue.

“Making it law supports us on our journey of creating a stronger and fairer Wales.”

Wales TUC general secretary Shavanah Taj welcomed the Act as a momentous piece of legislation “embracing a fresh, progressive approach that puts the voice of workers at the heart of public policy in Wales.

“By emphasising collective dialogue and working with trade unions to solve problems, the Act signifies a radical leap forward in government decision-making.”

Public bodies will also be required to deliver socially responsible procurement, which means putting environmental, social, economic and cultural wellbeing at the heart of an £8 billion annual spend.

Deputy minister Hannah Blythyn said: “I want to thank our trusted social partners in helping us create this Act, which will make a real difference to people, workplaces and to Wales as a whole.”

Unison Cymru/Wales regional secretary Dominic MacAskill saw the Act as “an important and historic first step” and said “now the real work begins.

“Unison expects it will place the voices of workers at the heart of decision-making in Wales when it comes to the public sector.”

PCS regional secretary Darren Williams pointed to the difference with the UK Tory government attempting to clamp down further on trade union rights.

“There could be no clearer illustration of the very different priorities and values of the Welsh government,” he said.

“We look forward to making full use of the new arrangements to drive up workplace standards and conditions.”

Prospect’s Wales officer Daniel Maney called it “a powerful tool” to protect workers.

He said: “This Act will actively encourage fair work and help improve public services for our members and for the people of Wales.”