Angela Rayner has hinted that some elements of her highly anticipated overhaul of workers’ rights may be delayed, in a setback for union leaders.
In a significant meeting held at the Cabinet Office on Whitehall, the Deputy Prime Minister informed union representatives and business lobbyists that “not everything” initially proposed will be included in the forthcoming Employment Bill.
The government remains on track to enhance workers’ rights by 12 October, fulfilling its promise to deliver within the first 100 days of taking office. However, uncertainty lingers over which aspects will be legislated in the coming months.
The ambitious set of proposals includes protections against unfair dismissal from day one, the abolition of zero-hour contracts, a ban on “fire and rehire” tactics, and an increase in the minimum wage.
A Labour insider remarked, “The Bill is just one piece of the puzzle, and the Deputy Prime Minister was clear that we need to get this right—some of the policies are quite complex.”
It has been suggested that the reforms could roll out in as many as four phases, as civil servants navigate through what has been described as the most extensive transformation of workers’ rights in a generation.
A source close to Ms Rayner confirmed that she is committed to ensuring the reforms are both effective and workable, acknowledging that “with only 100 days until the Employment Bill is introduced, not everything can be included.”
Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), who was present at the meeting, confirmed that ministers reiterated their plan to consult businesses and introduce the Employment Bill within the 100-day timeframe. He dismissed concerns that the agenda is being watered down, stating, “Some would prefer this agenda just went away. It’s not going to go away—that was made very clear today.”
Another participant at the meeting suggested that “more knotty issues could be delayed” due to concerns about the economic impact, with much of the legislation still in “draft mode.” They highlighted the significant complexity involved in certain areas, such as employment status, which requires extensive work.
Labour has assured anxious business leaders that the more controversial changes will undergo consultation before becoming law. However, these commitments do not preclude their inclusion in the Bill.
Ms Rayner commented that “this first-of-its-kind meeting has kicked off a new era of partnership that will benefit everyone across the country striving to build a better life.”
Justin Madders, the Employment Rights Minister, added, “We are moving quickly on the Bill, it will be delivered in the first 100 days, and it’s fantastic to come together to share insights that will help us ensure it achieves what we intend.”
A government spokesperson declined to specify which measures will be included in the Bill but confirmed that it would deliver on policies requiring primary legislation.
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Rayner signals potential delays to key employment reforms