UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The UK’s largest poll on employment rights reveals strong public demand for banning zero-hours contracts, with support from Tory and Reform voters.
Labour is being urged to push back against Conservative and Reform opposition to new worker protections, trade unions and MPs argue, citing the biggest survey on the matter.
What did the Trades Union Congress (TUC) poll reveal about UK employment rights?
A comprehensive survey of 21,000 respondents, including a detailed analysis of Reform constituencies, revealed that most Nigel Farage supporters back outlawing zero-hours contracts and improving labour protections.
A survey by the TUC indicates that the employment rights bill, which grants sick pay from day one and enhances parental leave and flexible working options, is the most favoured government policy among Green and Reform party voters.
The TUC poll shows Nigel Farage’s Reform was “defying its voters and constituents” by rejecting the legislation. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has criticized the bill, arguing that its economic burden on businesses is a major flaw in Keir Starmer’s policies.
How did Labour MPs respond to the employment rights bill?
Labour MPs and cabinet ministers have criticized the government’s approach to pushing the employment rights bill, citing concerns about business opposition and further attacks from right-wing media.
Anneliese Midgley, the Labour MP for Knowsley, stated,
“We shouldn’t be shy in talking about improving employment rights – it is one of our best weapons in the fight against the populist right. Reform is all talk, they have no plan for working people. It’s this Labour government that is delivering for working people – and we need to shout about it.”
What did the Labour Growth Group say about the employment rights bill?
The Labour Growth Group, a bloc of over 70 Labour MPs focused on business and infrastructure, has pledged full support for the proposed employment rights bill. Vice-chair Mark Ferguson, MP for Gateshead Central, argued that the measures are both popular and would bring economic stability.
Mr Ferguson added,
“It’s clear too that they will have a major positive impact on the economy and living standards in every community across the country. This is a package that will lead to better productivity and growth.”
A representative from the Labour Growth Group stated that business leaders are prioritizing fixing systemic barriers to growth, with little opposition to stronger job security and improved workplace conditions.
How did Nigel Farage react to the government’s flexible working plans?
Reform UK leader has criticized the government’s push for flexible working proposals, calling them “a complete load of cobblers” and arguing that true success requires effort and dedication.
However, the survey revealed that in Clacton, Nigel Farage’s constituency, 70% of voters back banning zero-hours contracts and ensuring sick pay from day one, with even stronger support in the Reform UK seats of Ashfield, Boston, Skegness, and Great Yarmouth.
How much support do Labour and Conservative voters have for the employment rights bill?
A study by the TUC and Hope Not Hate revealed that over 70% of voters in five Labour seats projected to be won by Reform showed support for banning zero-hours contracts and introducing day-one sick pay. The policies also have strong support in Conservative constituencies, including Kemi Badenoch.
MPs are expected to cast their final vote on the bill in the House of Commons at the end of February.
What are the major points of the proposed employment rights bill?
- Removes the two-year qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims.
- Employers must offer guaranteed hours based on past working patterns.
- Sick pay will be given from day one (no waiting period).
- Redundancy consultation applies if 20+ employees are dismissed in 90 days.
- Companies with 250+ employees must publish an annual equality action plan.
- Employees can request flexible work arrangements.