Angela Rayner and Anas Sarwar visit school on campaign trail

Blair McDougall who is vying to become the area’s MP in July 4’s General Election was also joined at Netherlee Primary by Labour MSP Paul O’Kane where they met with locals.

The foursome hit the campaign trail as they shared plans for a “new deal for working people” should Labour win power at Westminster.

Following this, on Tuesday the battlebus and Mr Sarwar joined Mr McDougall in Clarkston, with their teams also heading out in in Giffnock and Thornliebank. 

Mr McDougall told the Barrhead News: “During this campaign I’ve spoken to so many people who are crying out for change because they’ve watched the two current governments squander years of opportunities to improve people’s lives – our new deal for working people is Labour’s bold answer to that problem.

“Our new deal for working people will transform the workplace for the better.”

As it stands, workers have to be continuously employed for 26 weeks before they are entitled to parental leave, but Labour has pledged to make parental leave a day one right for workers, and to conduct a full review of the parental leave system to ensure it best supports working families.

More widely, the party says it is committed to making flexible working the default from day one for all workers, including opportunities for flexi-time contracts and hours that better accommodate school terms.

Blair McDougall in Clarkston with Anas Sarwar (Image: Sourced)

“Scots will instantly feel the benefit of our bold plans including, crucially, having a healthy balance between family life and work,” added Mr McDougall.

“As a parent I know how important it is to have a balance between working and having that priceless time with family.

“I don’t want that to be a rare privilege for some people, I want that to be a right for everyone in East Renfrewshire and across Scotland.”