Angela Rayner’s recent departure from the UK government might be one such example. This decision has left many union leaders worried about the future of the Employment Rights Bill, which is set to become law in the next few weeks. Christina McAnea, the general secretary of Unison, Britain’s biggest trade union, had a clarion call warning. She argued changing the bill would be a “huge mistake” for the administration.
Though her confirmation in the Senate was contentious, during Rayner’s tenure, she vigorously advocated for workers’ rights. Her departure and the recent cabinet reshuffle that resulted in the sacking of her employment minister has raised fears for the government’s commitment to fully implementing the bill. McAnea expressed deep concern that these changes could signal a shift in focus away from the protections and rights for workers that the legislation seeks to enforce.
Unfair dismissal is a key route to temporary and gig workers being denied pay or fired for taking action. Back in July, the House of Lords made a very significant amendment. This amendment makes the bill’s existing provision requiring employers to provide guaranteed hours an employee right to request guaranteed hours.
In the wake of these moves, McAnea said their entire union leadership is with her in voicing concern. Any attempt to “pull back” on the Employment Rights Bill would be met with strong opposition and “furious” campaigning from unions nationwide.
“It’s very significant and very worrying that they’ve been moved,” – Christina McAnea
She went on to say that the changing nature of the administration does not project confidence for proponents of the bill.
“It doesn’t send out a very good message that the people who were absolutely committed to driving through the employment rights bill are no longer doing those jobs,” – Christina McAnea
Union representatives say the Employment Rights Bill will help protect workers’ rights. It further protects responsible employers who currently face unfair competition from those without such scruples. Paul Novak, a senior Labour MP, noted that ensuring security and fair treatment for workers ultimately serves the broader UK economy.
“Having people in well-paid, secure employment is good for everybody. It’s good for workers, but it’s also good for the good employers who are being undercut by the cowboys, and it’s good for the UK economy,” – Paul Novak
Despite these concerns, some voices within the Labour Party remain optimistic about the government’s commitment to enacting the bill in its entirety. Novak expressed confidence in this regard.
“I am confident that the government will deliver on its commitments to enact that employment rights bill in full,” – Paul Novak
He touted that this bill would have the largest impact on workers’ rights for tens of millions of workers. This is particularly urgent for those working in low-paid and precarious occupations.
“This will give a massive boost to rights for millions of working people in this country, lots of whom are in insecure, low-paid employment,” – Paul Novak
Many are concerned that the bill faces a long delay in parliamentary procedures. This worry deepens when political will might evaporate with Rayner’s resignation.
McAnea articulated her hope that the government will not squander this opportunity to “shift the dial just slightly in favour of working people.” Her sentiments reflect a broader concern among union leaders. They are concerned that UK government will otherwise backslide on the few commitments they have made to improve workers’ rights.