Last week, the Government honoured its promise by introducing the Employment Rights Bill to Parliament within 100 days, marking a vital first step in delivering the New Deal for Working People – the biggest uplift in workers’ rights for a generation.
This is a testament to decades of work from unions and union activists in campaigning for stronger rights – and a clear statement of intent from this Labour Government, in bringing forward such an ambitious piece of legislation so soon after the election.
As the Bill moves through the Parliamentary process and consultations get underway, there’s important work to do: ensuring there are no gaps or loopholes that bad employers might exploit, and getting the smallprint and fine details right. Bad bosses and special interests are working overtime to discredit and unpick the progress we’ve made – they’re determined to maintain the status quo and continue the race to the bottom.
From reading the Tory press you’d assume that all employers think Labour’s plan to strengthen workers’ rights needs to be stopped in its tracks. The facts tell a different story.
Did you know that 83% of managers agree that improving workers’ rights can boost workplace productivity, and 68% of senior decision-makers and middle managers support stronger workers’ rights? A majority of voters in every constituency across the UK back stronger workplace rights.
