UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner dismissed concerns over internal party rifts, insisting that stronger employment protections will boost economic growth.
Labour’s deputy leader assured that workers’ rights reforms will be protected from the government’s regulatory rollbacks, which are intended to boost the economy.
What did Angela Rayner say about workers’ rights and economic growth?
Angela Rayner, also serving as housing secretary, called on business leaders to support Labour’s employment reforms, insisting their benefits for both workers and economic growth.
In an interview with The Guardian, after figures confirmed Britain narrowly sidestepped a recession last year, Ms Rayner rejected claims of Labour infighting over extensive employment rights protections, pushing back against business demands for revisions.
She stated,
“Absolutely the cabinet is united on it, because they understand this is pro-worker and pro-business as well.”
Ms Rayner added,
“The prime minister was really clear on this in his speech earlier this year, that people have to feel the growth. You can’t have growth that is over there somewhere, and ordinary working people can’t see it.”
Referring to Labour’s economic approach, the deputy prime minister stressed that the government’s success should not be measured solely by growth figures but by tangible improvements in people’s lives.
What are union leaders urging Labour to change in employment reforms?
The government faces pressure from union leaders to push back against critics of its job reforms, highlighting a survey of 21,000 voters that revealed strong backing for measures like banning zero-hours contracts.
Labour’s 11 affiliated unions requested talks with Downing Street, fearing that corporate concerns could lead to modifications in the party’s plans. Among Labour’s officially affiliated 11 unions are Aslef, Community, CWU, FBU, GMB, MU, NUM, TSSA, Unison, Unite, and Usdaw.
A senior union insider stated that unions were demanding the government implement the Employment Rights Bill in full and without further delay.
Another source told The Telegraph,
“We wanted the meeting to impress upon the PM that we believe we have these commitments and we want them being made good on.”
The source continued,
“We want to protect the commitments. We don’t want you buffeted about or watering stuff down.”
Why is Labour facing backlash over tax hikes and wage reforms?
Businesses have strongly opposed Labour’s October budget, raising concerns over a £25bn rise in employer national insurance and a 6.7% hike in the national living wage. Executives warn that these reforms could force firms to cut jobs.
Amid efforts to revive the economy, ministers are scrapping planning rules and instructing regulators to adopt a business-friendly approach.
What did Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds say about Labour’s employment reforms?
Jonathan Reynolds, at an event on Thursday, said that firms would be granted a transition period to adapt to Labour’s employment rights reforms. His remarks came as the UK competition regulator announced changes to stimulate economic growth.
He stated,
“We won’t introduce changes that hinder hiring, which is why we’re consulting on key aspects of our Make Work Pay reforms.”
What did Rayner say about fair pay at the Good Business Charter event?
The deputy prime minister, while addressing Julian Richer’s event, founder of Richer Sounds, highlighted the importance of fair business practices under the Good Business Charter.
She stressed that safeguarding workers’ rights would serve as a foundation for long-term economic stability.
What rights do workers gain under Labour’s latest reforms?
- Workers can request flexible working from day one, but employers can reject requests for valid reasons.
- Workers can take employers to court for unfair dismissal from day one, but businesses can dismiss employees more easily during a nine-month probation period.
- Fire and rehire will be restricted unless necessary for a company’s survival.
- Unpaid parental leave will be available from day one instead of after a year.
- New measures will be introduced for pregnant women and new mothers returning to work.
- Exploitative zero-hour contracts will be banned, but workers can choose to stay on them if they wish.
- Statutory sick pay will be immediate and available to all employees regardless of income.
- Workers will have more protection from sexual harassment at work.