UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson pledges to push the full workers’ rights bill if elected deputy leader, promising union support.
As reported by The Guardian, Bridget Phillipson promised to keep the employment rights bill intact if elected deputy Labour leader.
What did Bridget Phillipson say about protecting workers’ rights?
Bridget Phillipson, seen as Number 10’s choice for deputy leader, promised to uphold Angela Rayner’s legacy as the “unions’ champion” and advance key employment rights reforms.
She faces ex-cabinet colleague Lucy Powell in the race to take over Ms Rayner’s deputy leader role.
Ms Phillipson stated,
“As deputy leader I would personally grab the employment rights reform that Angela long pushed for to ensure it is enacted in full and not watered down. No ifs or buts. I will work with every single trade union rep in our country to ensure this crucial legislation sees the light of day to deliver change for working people. From no more exploitative zero-hours contracts to securing day one rights and fair pay for a fair day’s work.”
She added,
“I’m used to standing up to vested interests. I took on the private school lobby to end their tax breaks and deliver an education system that works for everyone. I’ll be as strong a champion for working people. I will be the unions’ champion for employment rights reform at the cabinet table, like Angela was. We simply cannot let it fall down the agenda. I want a strong mandate from members and unions to push every day to secure this vital reform for workers.”
After unions voiced worries about Peter Kyle’s appointment, Ms Phillipson pledged to keep Labour’s workers’ rights package intact.
Which unions are backing Bridget Phillipson and Lucy Powell?
Unison, GMB, and Unite have not yet revealed their preferred candidate. However, Ms Phillipson has secured support from the Musicians’ Union, the Community Union, and NUM.
The Communication Workers Union is reported to back Ms Powell, who has also won support from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, ministers including Ed Miliband and Lisa Nandy, and the affiliates group Disability Labour.
What did Chris Kitchen say about Bridget Phillipson?
Chris Kitchen, the NUM general secretary, supported her pledge and stated,
“Bridget stands with workers. Her pledge today to drive forward the employment rights bill and be a voice for unions at the cabinet table further underlines why we believe she is the right choice for deputy leader. As a united Labour party, governing and campaigning with Labour values, we can transform workers’ rights in this country.”
What did Joanne Thomas say about Bridget Phillipson?
Joanne Thomas, the general secretary of the Usdaw union, stated,
“We need a strong voice around the cabinet table with their own personal mandate from unions and workers to deliver this legislation. We are reassured that Bridget has said she will personally grab the mantle from Angela Rayner to drive greater fairness and security into workplaces across this country.”
What did Alasdair McDiarmid say about Bridget Phillipson?
Alasdair McDiarmid, the Community assistant general secretary, stated,
“Bridget has shown time and time again as education secretary that she respects and values trade unions, working closely and constructively with union partners in that role. This is a clear and unwavering commitment to delivering the ERB in full. We need a champion who will push for these changes at the heart of government.”
When will the Labour Deputy Leader poll take place?
- Ballot Opens: Wednesday, 8 October 2025 (online for members and affiliates)
- Ballot Closes: Thursday, 23 October 2025 at 12:00 BST
- Result Announced: Saturday, 25 October 2025, at a special conference
Key details about the Employment Rights Bill
The employment rights bill includes unfair dismissal reforms from 2027, giving workers a “day one” right to claim and a 9-month lighter-touch process for employers. Fire and rehire practices will be automatically unfair from October 2026, with restrictions on “fire and replace.”
Zero-hours contracts from 2027 will guarantee contracts reflecting regular hours. Workers will also receive compensation for short-notice shift cancellations.