Unions are urging the government not to water down its flagship bill on workers’ rights as the TUC gathers for its annual congress in Brighton.
Senior union leaders spoke out after the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer appointed Peter Kyle, the Labour MP for Hove and Portslade, as the new Business and Trade Secretary.
His responsibilities include taking ministerial charge of guiding the Employment Rights Bill as the House of Commons and House of Lords work on the final wording of the draft law.
Union leaders said that, despite the ministerial changes over the past few days, people expected Labour to deliver on the promises that it made during the general election last year.
The bill, which is in its final parliamentary stages, was championed by the former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and former Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders.
Both have left the posts that they held as the legislation was taken through the Commons which has raised concerns among some union leaders.
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said today (Sunday 7 September) that he had seen no evidence that the bill was going to be watered down.
Mr Nowak said: “The government must, and should, deliver on the promises it gave to the British people last July (2024).
“The bill will level the playing field – extending the standards already set by the best employers, working with unions, to millions more.
“It will stop good businesses being undercut by the cowboys and it will help build a modern economy that raises pay, boosts productivity and improves wellbeing.
“Tory and Lib Dem peers are desperately trying to water this bill down.
“We’ve got the shameful sight of hereditary peers blocking carers and cleaners from getting fair treatment at work. This isn’t the 1800s. It’s 2025.
“My message to these blockers is simple: get out of the way. You’re lucky enough not to face financial disaster if you take a day off sick.
“You’re lucky enough not to have to face abusive customers. You’re lucky enough not to worry about paying the bills if your boss cuts your shift with no notice.
“Millions of workers aren’t that lucky and working people have waited long enough for change. The Employment Rights Bill is a vital first step in tipping the balance back toward workers.
“So today, my message to all parliamentarians is simple: do the right thing. Listen to the public, stand with working people, deliver the bill in full.”
