The leader of the UK’s largest trade union has warned the government that watering down the Employment Rights Bill would be a “huge mistake” for workers.
Christina McAnea, General Secretary of Unison, said she is deeply concerned that the government may no longer be committed to delivering the full package of promised workers’ rights reforms. Her warning follows the departure of Angela Rayner and a major cabinet reshuffle, which saw key ministers supportive of the bill moved or replaced. Other trade unions have echoed these concerns.
The Employment Rights Bill—expected to become law in the coming weeks—represents one of the most significant changes to employment law in decades. Proposals include stronger protection from unfair dismissal, a ban on exploitative zero-hours contracts, and new rights for flexible working.
Fear of Delays and Dilution
A senior Labour MP told the BBC that there is growing fear the bill could be “slow-walked” through Parliament. With the economy under strain, some unions believe ministers might delay implementation as a concession to big business.
At the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in Brighton, union leaders voiced concern that without Angela Rayner and former employment minister Justin Madders, there may no longer be strong champions for workers’ rights in government.
McAnea, normally loyal to Labour, described the reshuffle as “very worrying.” She said:
“The Employment Rights Bill is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shift the balance slightly in favour of working people. We will do everything we can to make sure it is not watered down.”
Other Union Leaders Echo Concerns
Sharon Graham, General Secretary of Unite, also urged ministers to keep their promises:
“The government pledged to make work pay. Any attempt to weaken or delay the Employment Rights Bill would betray working people.”
Unite accused ministers of “saying different things” to union officials and business leaders, raising doubts about the government’s true intentions.
Business Opposition
Some business leaders, however, argue the reforms would damage job creation. Luke Johnson, director of bakery chain Gail’s, said “day one rights”—which give workers immediate protection against unfair dismissal and the right to request flexible working—would discourage investment and hiring. He argued for retaining the current two-year delay on entitlement to legal defence.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has also pushed for changes, warning that 92% of small employers are concerned about the bill. With limited HR resources, many feel “overwhelmed” by the reforms.
TUC Urges Government to Stay the Course
Despite business resistance, the TUC insists the bill must pass in full. General Secretary Paul Nowak said:
“This legislation will give a massive boost to rights for millions of people in insecure, low-paid work. Having secure, fair employment is not only good for workers—it benefits responsible employers and strengthens the UK economy.”
Ongoing Dispute Over Guaranteed Hours
The Usdaw union, representing supermarket and warehouse staff, warned that recent House of Lords amendments risk weakening protections. The proposed change would reduce the right to guaranteed hours to a mere right to request them—leaving many workers vulnerable to unstable contracts.
The Future of UK Workers’ Rights
The Employment Rights Bill remains one of the most ambitious labour reforms in recent decades, but unions fear it could be diluted in the face of business pressure. For millions of UK workers in low-paid or insecure jobs, the outcome of this political battle will determine whether promised protections on fair pay, job security, and employment rights are delivered—or watered down.
Source: BBC