Labour and trade unions have criticised an attack by Nigel Farage on a proposed law aimed at protecting workers from sexual harassment, which the Reform UK leader claimed could lead to the end of pub banter. Farage is among those who have criticised the clause in the employment bill that gives workers protection from third-party harassment, requiring employers to take 'reasonable steps' to protect staff from harassment by customers.
Three in five women, and almost two-thirds of women aged 25 to 34, have experienced sexual harassment, bullying or verbal abuse at work, according to a TUC poll. The Reform leader said the clause could effectively ban discussion of sensitive subjects such as religion or views on transgender rights. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has said there must be guidance for employers not to overinterpret the legislation, which is meant to protect workers from abuse.
Farage told viewers on his GB News show that it was tantamount to banning pub banter, despite the design to prevent sexual harassment. 'I have a little theory that every pub is a parliament,' he said. 'However, the new employment rights legislation, which is designed to protect employees, says that debates should not happen in pubs if they're offensive to staff. And this could well include debates such as transgender rights and veganism. You might as well close the pubs down!'
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: 'Nobody should be abused while doing their job, but sadly we have seen a rise in violent abuse and harassment of people like shopworkers, NHS workers and many other public facing staff. 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.' He added: 'Nigel Farage is promising the same broken status quo – not the economic reset working people desperately need.'
A Labour spokesperson said: 'Everyone has the right to go to work in the knowledge that they will be protected from harassment in their workplace. Labour's landmark employment rights bill is a once-in-a-generation chance to improve the lives of millions of working people. Is Nigel Farage happy for harassment at work to be left unchecked?' Polling for the TUC shows broad support for the bill among Reform voters, with 77% supporting a real living wage, 57% backing new protections against unfair dismissal, 69% supporting day one sick pay, and 63% a ban on fire-and-rehire.
