In a week marked by both optimism and setbacks, Labour’s long-awaited Employment Rights Bill has once again been thrust into the spotlight. The bill, spearheaded by Deputy Leader Angela Rayner, promises significant improvements to the everyday lives of workers across the UK. It is an opportunity for a government elected on a platform of radical change to deliver on its promises. Yet, while the bill contains key proposals to protect workers’ rights, recent developments have left many questioning whether the government’s commitment to meaningful reform is waning.
A major point of contention is the so-called ‘right to switch off’, a proposal that would have legislated against out-of-hours work communications, such as late-night emails and phone calls. Rayner had initially pushed for this provision as a response to the blurring of work-life boundaries that have become all too common in an era of remote work and constant connectivity. However, this idea has now been effectively shelved, with reports indicating that it will not be part of the final version of the bill, despite fresh amendments due for tabling this week.
This move is widely seen as an attempt to placate businesses, which have expressed concern over the potential regulatory burden the bill might create, especially in light of the looming increase in employers’ national insurance contributions due in April. Yet, the decision to backtrack on this progressive proposal has sparked a wave of criticism, particularly from those who argue that it undermines the bill’s potential to genuinely improve workers’ lives. In practice, the government’s attempt to reassure businesses seems to have generated more backlash than support, with the headlines focusing on Rayner’s perceived failure rather than the bill’s potential benefits.
What is particularly striking about this development is the stark contrast between Labour’s approach to domestic issues and its handling of foreign policy, particularly in relation to Ukraine. While the government appears hesitant and uncertain when it comes to the rights of UK workers, Keir Starmer has shown decisive leadership on the international stage, particularly regarding Britain’s relationship with Ukraine and its commitment to supporting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the face of Russian aggression.
Starmer’s leadership on this issue has been widely praised, with the Labour leader taking bold steps in both diplomatic and defence matters. However, while his handling of foreign policy has been characterised by confidence and clarity, Labour’s domestic agenda—particularly around workers’ rights—seems to be stumbling. Despite its popularity with the public, Rayner’s proposals have been watered down at a time when they are needed most. Two-thirds of voters, for instance, support expanding flexible working, and the bill’s provisions to make it a default assumption for employers are widely supported. Likewise, banning zero-hours contracts, a policy that would relieve workers of the crippling uncertainty about their weekly hours, has broad backing.
The pandemic also highlighted the need for an extension of statutory sick pay, an issue that Labour’s proposed reforms seek to address. Throughout the pandemic, it became starkly clear how many workers were unable to take time off even when they tested positive for COVID-19, simply because they could not afford to lose their income. Extending sick pay to those who need it most is an essential step towards creating a fairer and more compassionate workplace. These policies—flexible working, a ban on zero-hours contracts, and better sick pay—are not just popular with voters; they represent a fundamental shift towards a more humane and worker-centred society.
Labour, it seems, is at a crossroads. Starmer’s government has managed to win over economically insecure voters, many of whom were previously drawn to the populist rhetoric of parties like Reform UK. Policies such as the minimum wage hike and public sector pay rises—key parts of Labour’s strategy—have helped end strikes and delivered tangible benefits to millions. Yet, despite these victories, Labour often seems reluctant to take credit for its achievements, focusing instead on immigration and other issues that may alienate its core supporters. The fear of backlash from the right appears to have left Labour in a defensive posture, even when it has the opportunity to stand firm on policies that would improve the lives of ordinary people.
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It is this hesitation that risks undermining the good work that Labour has already done. Rayner’s Employment Rights Bill is a prime example of how the party can deliver real, meaningful change to the lives of workers. By diluting key elements of the bill—particularly the right to switch off—Labour risks losing momentum and undermining the very people who helped propel it to power. There is no need for Labour to apologise for standing up for workers’ rights, and it is time for the party to take a more confident stance on these issues.
The government should recognise that policies designed to improve the lives of workers are not only popular, but essential for building a fairer and more equitable society. Rather than backpedalling on crucial reforms, Labour should seize the opportunity to champion these changes with the confidence that they are both the right thing to do and a winning electoral strategy.
Ultimately, Labour’s ability to push through these reforms will define its legacy in government. If the party is to retain the trust of the electorate, it must stand firm on its commitment to workers’ rights and ensure that policies like the Employment Rights Bill are not diluted in the face of business pressures. The public is ready for change; it is time for Labour to deliver.
