UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A Tory amendment to Labour’s employment bill exempts sports and hospitality venues from workplace harassment rules, drawing criticism from Labour.
As reported by The Independent, the Tories are pushing for an exemption that would remove restaurants, pubs, and sports stadiums from workplace harassment laws.
What did Andrew Griffith say on workplace harassment exemptions?
Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith has proposed an amendment to the Labour employment rights bill, which is currently under review in the House of Commons. He urges the government to exempt hospitality venues and sports stadiums from employer obligations under the bill to prevent workplace harassment.
He insisted that modifying the bill’s “harassment by third parties” section is necessary to prevent a so-called “banter ban.”
Mr Griffith argued that under Labour’s bill, workers could face legal action if an employee overhears remarks they find offensive.
He warned that the proposed law would stifle pub-goers’ freedom to joke, chant at football matches, or discuss politics, as any offence taken could lead to a ban.
What did Polly Billington say about the Tory amendment?
Labour MP Polly Billington dismissed Conservative claims of defending free speech, describing them as “laughable” during an interview.
He stated,
“Pub managers have always known the importance of protecting their staff and their customers from vile abuse and intimidation – the law strengthens their hand. Next time they have any trouble, I’m sure they will be channelling the words of the greatest pub manager of all time, Peggy Mitchell, ‘get out of my pub’.”
What did the Trades Union Congress say about the amendment?
Britain’s Trades Union Congress has endorsed the amendment, claiming opponents are trying to maintain the “broken status quo.”
The body general secretary Paul Nowak stated,
“This measure is about ensuring employers take reasonable steps to protect workers from aggressive customers. Punters will still be able to talk freely in pubs – and the EHRC has helpfully clarified that employers must not misinterpret the law.”
Mr Nowak said,
“Nobody should face abuse at work. But the Conservatives have tabled an amendment that would allow aggressive punters to insult and harass staff in bars, pubs and restaurants.”
He stated,
“Employers should be taking reasonable steps to protect workers from violent and aggressive customers. This Bill will not stop people being able to talk freely in pubs and other hospitality venues.”
Mr Nowak added,
“This is why the Employment Rights Bill is so vital – it will establish common sense protections for workers, including protection from unacceptable abuse while doing their job.”
What did Labour’s spokesperson say about hospitality workers’ rights?
A Labour spokesperson stated,
“Hospitality workers deserve the same protections against harassment in the workplace like any other worker. The Conservatives’ attempt to block this shows the Tories think hospitality workers don’t deserve the same rights as others, something no employer would stand for.”
key amendments made to the Employment Rights Bill
- Unfair dismissal claims allowed from day one.
- Statutory Sick Pay now has no qualification period.
- Protections for zero-hours contract workers introduced.
- Fire and rehire rules adjusted for employers.
- Non-regulatory updates made to codes and guidance.