Huge survey reveals employment rights overhaul popular with public despite many not knowing about bill
Keir Starmer must make the “populist case” for workers’ rights reforms, unions have said, after a new mega-poll suggested the reforms were the most popular of almost all policies but have extremely limited public recognition.
The employment rights bill will return to the Commons on Monday with a pledge by senior government figures not to water down reforms to zero-hours contracts or new rights at work.
The bill had been championed by Angela Rayner, who has resigned as deputy prime minister. Senior union figures were deeply concerned at the departure of Rayner and the business minister, Justin Madders, in the reshuffle – and concerned by the appointment of Peter Kyle as business secretary.
A number of strategists in No 10 and the Treasury are said to have been cautious about the bill after a backlash from business and Rayner had been the key cabinet minister holding the line.
