Labour’s new workers’ rights legislation is facing criticism from the Union, with one leader stating that the proposed law has “more holes than Swiss cheese”. While some have praised the Employment Rights Bill as a significant step for workers, there are calls for further action to rebalance the relationship between employers and employees. The bill, set to be unveiled on Thursday, aims to prohibit exploitative zero-hours contracts and unfair fire and rehire practices, which could benefit millions of workers.
The Fire Brigade Union has expressed approval for the planned Employment Bill, with general secretary Matt Wrack welcoming the potential changes. However, Unite has taken a more critical stance, accusing the government of falling short on its promises. Unite’s general secretary Sharon Graham pointed out that while the bill brings some improvements for workers, it still fails to address issues like fire and rehire practices and zero-hours contracts adequately, leaving room for exploitation by employers.
Despite the proposed legislation giving workers the right to a contract reflecting their regular working hours, concerns remain about the provision for employees to opt-in for zero-hours contracts. Unite plans to advocate for enhancements to the bill in parliament, particularly in terms of workers’ access to unions for pay bargaining. While the TUC’s general secretary, Paul Nowak, views the bill as a positive step that could enhance working conditions for many individuals if fully implemented, he acknowledges that there are details to be clarified.
Former TUC president and Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack commended the reforms as potentially shifting the power balance towards workers in Britain, anticipating significant improvements in workers’ lives as a result of the legislation. However, the effective date for many of the proposed changes is not until Autumn 2026, with consultations scheduled throughout 2025 to refine the specifics.
Labour highlighted that the legislation aims to eliminate the two-year qualifying period for protections against unfair dismissals and grants workers rights from their first day on the job. The government referred to the Employment Rights Bill as a substantial boost for pay and productivity in the workplace, potentially signalling a transformation from the Tories’ previous low-wage economy. The legislation aspires to create a more favourable environment for both workers and businesses, fostering predictability, control, and growth in the labour market.
The bill’s unveiling takes place against the backdrop of an economy inherited by the current government, which is described as “battered” following a period of strikes under the previous administration. Labour asserts that the Tories’ industrial relations approach over the past two years has cost the economy billions in lost productivity, with strikes impacting various sectors. The new legislation is seen as a critical step towards establishing a fairer and more prosperous working environment in the UK.