Angela Rayner, the MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, has been leading efforts to mobilise her fellow Members of Parliament. She appeals to all of them to hold the line on support for Labour’s flagship Employment Rights Bill as it nears the finish line in Parliament. Rayner has been a key champion for this legislation. He emphasized the importance of resolve when encountering challenges and setbacks.
In an impassioned speech to her fellow MPs, Rayner declared, “This is not the time to fold, or back down.” She acknowledged the tremendous obstacles in moving the bill to this point. She argued that its passage would at least represent a historic accomplishment for the Labour government.
Rayner, who is passionate about employment rights, made this announcement as part of her first 100 days of Labour coming into government. As a minister, she’s an ardent supporter of this bill. She importantly highlights its dual nature, christening it “pro-business and pro-worker.” She argued that the legislation aims to “end the unfair market competition in which some firms seek to beat their competitors not by better quality or increased value, but by cutting the pay and conditions of their workforce.”
Rayner said she was angered by recent slowdowns in the legislative process. She expressed dismay about the concessions that have formed in the process. Her determination remained clear as she urged her colleagues to act swiftly, saying, “Let us not waste a minute more – it is time to deliver.”
The bill has inspired a wide range of responses from political leaders. Conservative shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith was particularly scathing of Rayner’s impact on the bill. He derided her approach as “the warrant for a war on jobs.” He expressed concern that the changes would hinder job opportunities for young people, stating that “thousands of young people will struggle for opportunities because the rungs of the ladder have been sawn off.”
By way of comparison, Labour’s previous shadow business minister, Justin Madders, commended Rayner for battling through barriers to get to this stage. He praised her for her work in steering this contentious political landscape to move the Employment Rights Bill as far as it has gone.
Business Minister Kate Dearden joined the debate, speaking in favour of the legislation. She boldly promised us that it would be “pro-growth” and a boon to employers and employees alike. Her government insisted that it would encourage a more dynamic, productive British economy.
Liberal Democrat business spokesperson Sarah Olney expressed her criticism for specific amendments to raise the compensation ceiling for unfair dismissal. She failed to mention, let alone condemn, Rayner’s input into the bill.