About Stephen Hughes
Stephen Hughes MEP is a politician very close to the trade union movement. The focus of his work has always been on better rights and protection for workers, those outside of the world of work, and their families, both within Europe and beyond.
Working in partnership with trade unions, Labour MEPs have achieved major developments towards a Europe that is better for your life at work. These include the right to 4 weeks paid annual leave, longer rest breaks, and better working hours. Stephen has worked on the right to be consulted about redundancies or company transfers, better national and transnational information and consultation rights.
Stephen champions a raft of health and safety protections, equal treatment rights for part-time, fixed term and temporary agency workers, as well as making much progress in tackling all forms of discrimination.
Stephen was elected Deputy Leader of the Socialists & Democrats in July 2009 and holds the Employment and Social Affairs portfolio, with responsibility for economic and social poicy, the internal market, equality and culture.