Angela Rayner is spearheading a significant backbench initiative to accelerate crucial workers' rights legislation, following intense anger over attempts by unelected peers to obstruct the government's flagship bill.
Government Backtracks on Key Manifesto Pledge
The Labour government recently diluted its manifesto commitment to provide day one protections from unfair dismissal due to fears the Employment Rights Bill would not pass before Christmas. Following negotiations with unions and business leaders, the qualifying period for these protections has been set at six months, a reduction from the current two years but short of the original promise.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson defended the move, stating there was a "very real prospect" the reforms would not be in place by April as promised without this compromise. She insisted it did not breach Labour's manifesto, which pledged to consult with trade unions and business.
Rayner's Amendment Aims for Faster Implementation
The former Deputy Prime Minister, who originally championed the bill, is now expected to table an amendment to bring the new six-month qualifying period into force next year, rather than in 2027. This push comes amid fury from Labour MPs over stalling tactics by Tory and Liberal Democrat peers in the House of Lords.
One Labour MP involved in the discussions stated: "This can’t be the thin end of the wedge and we won’t let it be. Not only can there be no more watering down, but there is now growing appetite on the Labour benches to go further and faster."
Broader Protections and Union Rights
The proposed amendment also includes vital measures to ensure workers on zero-hours or variable-hours contracts are not excluded from the new rights. Furthermore, it would introduce fines for employers who illegally prevent unions from accessing and talking to their workforce.
Another MP highlighted the bill's importance, saying: "Even with last week’s changes, reducing the qualifying period for protection from unfair dismissal from 24 months to 6 would benefit millions of working people with greater security at work. Why should they have to wait until 2027?"
Union Pragmatism vs. Parliamentary Anger
While union leaders have adopted a pragmatic stance, prioritising getting the legislation onto the statute books so rights can begin in April as initially planned, many Labour backbenchers remain incensed by the concessions.
Ms. Rayner has been collaborating closely with former Employment Minister Justin Madders and other MPs to reinforce the bill's provisions and counter the delays. The collective aim is to deliver tangible improvements to workers' lives without further setback.
