It’s amazing but true – one in every three hours of our existence is spent earning a living. With a whopping third of a person’s life doing work that means having a decent job really matters.

We’ve all done jobs that aren’t great. I was never a fan of 6am shifts at a factory job I did; nor of the particles of rust (like fine grit) that irritated my eyes to redness as a young scaffolder’s assistant; and there have been a few bosses that I met that would give fictional boss David Brent a run for his money. But equally you remember those great mentors in your career, the people that made time to invest in you, and where you felt every day was worthwhile.

So because we spend 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime I am determined to try and make sure those hours are the very best they can be.

That’s why this week, as part of my push for decent jobs, I launched my Good Employment Charter fulfilling a manifesto pledge I gave to you in the Metro Mayor election last year.

The Charter is an impressive co-operative effort between trade unions, employers and employees.

There are two tiers: “Supporters” - working with aspiring organisations to help them raise employment standards and “Members” where employers prove they are exemplars.

The tests are about secure work so people know when the next shift is coming, paying a real living wage; making sure workers are listened to and can get training and promotions. It’s also about making sure people stay healthy.

First to sign up were Wallace and Gromit’s creators, Aardman, the world famous and brilliant, four time Oscar winning animation studio. They are being joined by businesses and organisations big and small from across Midsomer Norton, Radstock and the rest of the West of England.

Why? Because happy and healthy staff also means productive staff and a successful business. In short, it’s a win-win for employees and employers.

But across our region there remains a less good side, with too many jobs not offering workers the respect, security, wages or future prospects they deserve and their hard work and efforts merit.

Shockingly today, one-in-six West of England workers take home less pay than the Real Living Wage and a record one-in-six families live in poverty. Insecure work through zero-hours contracts abounds.

Every company that signs up as a Charter member or supporter receives bespoke training organised by the West of England Combined Authority that I lead.

We must drive up regional standards and wages at work and improve UK productivity too – vital if we are to afford better schools, hospitals and care for older people so they can live in dignity in retirement. Work is central to our lives. But work should be a pillar upon which we can build our lives, not the obstacle it is for so many today.

Dan Norris