The UK’s most senior trade union leader has urged the government to deliver the Employment Rights Bill in its entirety, warning against any attempts to water it down. Speaking at the Trades Union Congress (TUC) annual conference in Brighton, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said the bill represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen workers’ rights.
The Employment Rights Bill, expected to become law within weeks, promises major changes to workplace protections, including safeguards against unfair dismissal and a ban on exploitative zero-hours contracts. Unison’s General Secretary Christina McAnea echoed this stance, calling it a “huge mistake” if the government weakens the legislation.
A government spokesperson insisted the administration is “absolutely backing” the bill, describing it as the single biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in decades.
Union leaders, however, voiced concerns after recent cabinet reshuffles saw Angela Rayner leave her role, Justin Madders sacked as employment minister, and Jonathan Reynolds moved from business secretary to chief whip. Some MPs fear the bill could be “slow walked” amid pressure to prioritize economic growth over labour protections.
Former employment rights minister Justin Madders urged vigilance, warning that business lobbies may push to weaken the law. He said: “We all need to be very vigilant that the good intentions of the bill are delivered in full.”
Unions are particularly alarmed by House of Lords amendments that risk scrapping day-one employment tribunal rights and guaranteed working hours. The government has said it will overturn those amendments.
Sharon Graham, leader of Unite, cautioned that Labour risks losing workers’ trust if it fails to deliver. She warned that her union could even reconsider its £1.3 million annual funding to Labour. “Workers don’t feel Labour is on their side,” she said, predicting that parties like Reform UK could benefit if living standards fail to improve.
Nowak added that the government should also lift the two-child benefit cap and fund it through new wealth taxes, such as a windfall tax on bank profits. He accused previous governments of leaving a “toxic legacy” and called on Labour to prove its election promise of change.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said his government is committed to “delivery, delivery, delivery,” stressing that wages are now rising faster than inflation and that the Employment Rights Bill will mark a turning point for working people.
