Labour and trade unions have criticised Nigel Farage over his claim that a proposed workers' rights bill could spell the end of pub banter. The Reform UK leader attacked a clause in the employment bill that would require employers to take "reasonable steps" to protect staff, such as bartenders, from harassment by customers.
Speaking on his GB News show, Farage said the legislation could effectively ban discussions on sensitive topics like transgender rights and veganism if they were deemed offensive to staff. He argued that "every pub is a parliament" and that the bill could mean people "might as well close the pubs down".
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak accused Farage of being "on the side of bad bosses, zero-hours contracts and fire-and-rehire". He said the measure was about ensuring employers protect workers from aggressive customers, adding: "Punters will still be able to talk freely in pubs – and the EHRC has helpfully clarified that employers must not misinterpret the law."
A Labour spokesperson said everyone had the right to go to work knowing they would be protected from harassment, and asked: "Is Nigel Farage happy for harassment at work to be left unchecked?" The Equality and Human Rights Commission has warned that implementation of the clause could lead to a "disproportionate restriction of the right to freedom of expression" in some cases.
Polling for the TUC suggests broad support for the bill among Reform voters, with 77% backing a real living wage, 57% supporting new protections against unfair dismissal, 69% backing day one sick pay, and 63% supporting a ban on fire-and-rehire.
