Labour’s new Employment Rights Bill will deliver the most significant reform to workers’ rights in a generation. As a former trade union lawyer and lifelong trade unionist who entered politics to advocate for fairer workers’ rights, I’m really proud to back this transformative legislation, which embodies the new UK Labour government’s commitment to fairness, dignity and equality at work.
This Bill represents a comprehensive overhaul of the archaic employment laws that have left millions of workers vulnerable and insecure. For far too long, many workers across the country have struggled with unpredictable wages, precarious and insecure contracts, and being left at the mercy of unscrupulous employers. The new Bill is a step forward in creating a fairer labour market, offering workers the dignity and security they deserve.
The Bill introduces a ban on exploitative zero-hour contracts. These contracts have been used to exploit workers, denying them employment and wage stability that means families and households cannot budget, pay rent or get a mortgage or loan. By banning these exploitative contracts, Labour is placing the power back in the hands of workers so they can plan their lives and choose what works for them, ultimately making work pay. This is a landmark moment for the millions of workers up and down the country.
We’re also repealing anti-union legislation put in place by the previous Conservative government, abolishing the Minimum Service Levels (Strikes) Act, which, somewhat ironically, failed to prevent a single day of industrial action whilst in force. We are giving trade unions their voice back, more say in negotiating wages, working conditions, and job security for their members through collective bargaining. The power of collective rights cannot be overstated. Unionised workplaces have better pay and conditions and are safer places to work in than non-unionised ones. This Bill is not just about individual rights, but about rebalancing power in the workplace so employers and employees can engage on a more level playing field. Good employers know that engaged and satisfied workers are more productive.
Other landmark provisions within the Bill include:
• ‘Day 1 rights’ of employment, including protection from unfair dismissal, entitlement to paternity leave, and unpaid parental leave.
• Establishing bereavement leave and making flexible working the default.
• Abolishing the scourge of ‘fire and rehire’ and strengthening provisions on collective redundancy.
• Establishing the ‘Fair Work Agency’ to make sure everyone is playing by the same rules.
• Bringing forward measures to modernise Trade Union laws.
• Improving pay and conditions through ‘Fair Pay Agreements’, re-establishing the ‘School Support Staff Negotiating Body’, and re-instating the two-tier code for procurement.
• Increased protection from sexual harassment, introduction of ‘Equality Menopause Action Plans’, and strengthening of rights for pregnant workers.
• Making improvements to and strengthening Statutory Sick Pay.
This Bill is a direct response to the struggles that working people have faced under successive Conservative governments. It reflects Labour’s core values of solidarity, fairness, and collective empowerment. It’s why I ran for parliament in 2015, and I couldn’t be prouder to see this Bill on its way to becoming law.
I always have and always will champion the rights of workers in Parliament. This new legislation will bring transformational change to workers’ rights and protections.
