Bad bosses issued warning over ‘Victorian-style’ work practices – ‘assume once more’

Bad bosses will be put on notice as workers rights reforms bring an end to “Victorian-style working practices”, the head of Britain’s trades union movement warns.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak will issue an ultimatum to employers as unions gather for their annual conference in Brighton. Union leaders are expected to pile pressure on the new Labour Government over wages, winter fuel allowance and workers’ rights.

But Mr Nowak will say that unions are prepared to “roll up our sleeves” to help ministers fix the Tories’ toxic legacy. In a speech on Monday, he will say: “I want to put every anti-union, anti-worker boss on notice.

“If you think you can get away with paying poverty wages, forcing people into work when they’re sick and firing and rehiring your staff – think again. We’re going to take on the bad bosses and we are going to win.”

The TUC leader will say “hope is back in our politics”, pointing to the Government’s workers’ rights reforms and public sector pay.

But he will add: “No government can put right 14 years of Tory chaos overnight. And no government can take on the job of rebuilding this country on its own.

“Politics isn’t a spectator sport. We need to roll up our sleeves and get involved.”

Mr Nowak told reporters on Sunday that it was time to “turn the page on the Conservatives’ toxic legacy and time to make work pay for everyone”.

Pointing to Labour’s plans to overhaul workers’ rights, he added: “We need to bring UK employment law into the 21st Century, and consign Victorian-style working practices like zero hours contracts, like fire and rehire, to history.”

The Government is pushing forward some of the most ambitious changes to employment rights in decades. The plan includes a ban on exploitative zero hours contracts, an end to fire and rehire practices, and “day one” rights for employees on things like sick pay.