Mon, 08 Sep 2025

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 Government must deliver workers' rights bill in full, says TUC

The call comes amid fears the bill would be watered down as some of its key backers left the cabinet.
Trade unions urge government to pass Employment Rights Bill in full, warning that key backers' departure may lead to watering down of legislation. The bill, due to become law soon, includes major changes to workers' rights, such as protection against unfair dismissal and a ban on exploitative zero-hours contracts. The prime minister's spokesperson claims the government is "absolutely backing" the bill. However, concerns have been raised that the bill may be weakened following the departure of key ministers, including Angela Rayner and Justin Madders. Madders has warned that supporters of the bill must remain vigilant against attempts to water it down. Unions are concerned about amendments made by the House of Lords, which could drop day one employment tribunals and guaranteed hours. The government claims it will overturn these amendments. Trade union leaders have called on the government to deliver the Employment Rights Bill in full and also for the two-child benefit cap to be lifted, funded by new taxes on wealth. Unite leader Sharon Graham has threatened to disaffiliate from Labour if the party does not improve its stance on workers' rights, warning that Reform UK would be a beneficiary of Labour's failure.
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