Angela Rayner has issued a dramatic call for Parliament to work 'through the night' to ensure the passage of Labour's flagship workers' rights legislation, accusing hereditary peers of obstructing the democratic will.
Parliamentary 'Ping Pong' Threatens Key Legislation
The Employment Rights Bill is currently trapped in a legislative battle between the House of Commons and the House of Lords, where the government has faced several defeats. With Parliament due to shut down for Christmas later this week, ministers have been forced to make significant concessions to break the deadlock.
Key changes include replacing a proposed day-one right to protection against unfair dismissal with a six-month qualifying period. Furthermore, the government has moved to scrap the compensation cap for unfair dismissal entirely. This cap is currently set at the lower of 52 weeks' pay or £118,223.
Rayner's Fury at Hereditary Peers
Speaking in the Commons on Monday evening, the former deputy prime minister launched a fierce attack on the Lords, specifically highlighting the role of hereditary peers. Ms Rayner pointed out that 33 hereditary peers had tried to defeat the government by 24 votes on a manifesto promise concerning sick pay.
"What message does this send to the British public," she asked, highlighting that the delay could mean some of the lowest earners miss the April deadline for improved sick pay. "Shouldn't we get on, go through the night if we have to, and get this Bill passed?" she demanded.
Business Minister Kate Dearden echoed the urgency, stating that the prolonged 'ping pong' between the houses was in no one's interest. She argued that removing the compensation cap could allow employment tribunals to reach judgments more swiftly.
Business Backing and Tory Opposition
The push to pass the bill has received support from major business groups. In a joint letter to Business Secretary Peter Kyle, organisations including the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) urged Parliament to pass the bill now to secure the six-month qualifying period.
However, the move to scrap the compensation cap faced criticism from the Conservative frontbench. Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith questioned the last-minute nature of the change, stating, "Why would any sane government scrap the cap entirely?" He noted it was not in the original manifesto, bill, or impact assessments.
The bill returned to the Lords on Tuesday for what the government hopes will be its final approval, setting the stage for a potential late-night sitting to fulfil a key Labour pledge on workers' rights.
