Workers' unions call for no backward steps in labor rights following Rayner's resignation

The Employment Rights Bill, aimed at providing more security for workers, is currently at the centre of a political storm, with union leaders calling on the government to resist efforts to weaken it.

According to TUC General Secretary, Paul Nowak, the bill is crucial in putting more money into the pockets of working people and providing them with greater job security. The bill, which is set for parliamentary ping-pong, could see the government overturning Lords' amendments in the Commons.

However, the bill has faced criticism from some quarters. The House of Lords backed a Tory-led amendment to reduce the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims from two years to six months. This move has been met with strong opposition from union leaders, who are demanding no diluting of the Employment Rights Bill.

The controversy surrounding the bill has also extended to its sponsor, Angela Rayner. After resigning over unpaid stamp duty on a seaside flat, Ms Rayner will no longer be speaking at the TUC's annual conference in Brighton this Tuesday. Instead, Bridget Philipson will take her place.

The resignation of Ms Rayner and the demotion of Jonathan Reynolds, who was driving the bill through parliament, have raised questions about the government's commitment to workers' rights. Union leaders are urging the government to stand firm and reject attempts to weaken the bill.

The TUC's analysis shows that low-paid jobs in the care, leisure, and service sectors account for 77% of the increase in insecure jobs since 2011. Moreover, black and ethnic minority workers account for 70% of the explosion in insecure work. This highlights the need for the Employment Rights Bill, which aims to address these issues.

The TUC's leadership has also accused right-wing politicians and the right-wing media of hounding out Ms Rayner, claiming there's a real heavy dose of misogyny when it comes to her. Paul Nowak, the TUC's general secretary, has further claimed that Ms Rayner was a victim of misogyny.

Despite the challenges, the TUC remains optimistic about the Employment Rights Bill. Pat McFadden will now head a new, beefed-up super-ministry promoting growth, taking over responsibility for adult skills, a key issue for the unions. The new Secretary of State for Education in Keir Starmer's newly formed cabinet, responsible for adult education — a key issue for unions — is Gillian Keegan.

As the Employment Rights Bill continues its journey through parliament, it remains to be seen whether the government will stand firm and deliver on its promise to improve workers' rights or succumb to pressure to weaken the bill.

Workers' unions call for no backward steps in labor rights following Rayner's resignation