Usdaw urges opposition Peers to end their attempts to water down workers’ rights

Speaking in the House of Commons, employment minister Kate Dearden MP (Labour/Co-op, Halifax) said:“The Government’s plan to make work pay, on which we were elected and in which we committed to deliver the Employment Rights Bill, will bring employment rights legislation into the 21st century, extending the protections that many British companies already offer to their staff.

“By doing so, we will endeavour to end the unfair market competition in which some firms seek to beat their competitors not by better quality or increased value, but by cutting the pay and conditions of their workforce. That is why this Bill is truly pro-business and pro-worker, pro-growth and pro-competition, and contributes to the creation of a fair and flexible labour market.

Joanne Thomas – Usdaw general secretary says: “Last night, MPs accepted an amended Employment Rights Bill and it is now time for Peers to stop blocking this important legislation to help make work pay and more secure. It was clearly a key part of Labour’s manifesto, which was widely supported by voters in last year’s landslide general election win. It ill becomes unelected Tory and Lib Dem Peers, cheered on by Reform UK, to go against the expressed will of the people.

“It is vital that the Bill is passed by the end of the year, so that millions of low-paid workers will have the right to sick pay from day one of employment from April and to keep the Government’s timetable for implementation on track. Everyone deserves the improved security at work this legislation will provide.”