KEIR STARMER: ‘We’re preventing for you – at this time’s new employees’ rights regulation reveals we’re delivering’
Prime Minister Keir Starmer writes for The Mirror as Labour’s massive overhaul of workers’ rights – including day one sick pay rights – finally receives Royal Assent
Under the Tories, workers’ rights were eroded year after year. The number of people on zero hours contracts reached a million. Scandalous practices like fire and rehire went unchecked.
That ends now – because today this Labour government’s new employment rights bill has become law. It will make life better for hardworking Brits who are the backbone of our nation and our economy. That’s what my politics is about. That’s what this Labour government is for. Over 15 million people across the UK will benefit from new protections under this law. Especially those on the lowest pay and in the most insecure jobs.
That means no more exploitative zero hours contracts. No more fire and rehire. Basic rights like sick pay, unpaid parental leave and paternity leave will apply from day one. Just think what it was like before. During the pandemic, if you were a low paid care worker who found yourself sick and stuck at home, you might have not been paid at all. And you might have been forced to take the day as holiday or go into work sick.
But now, under this law, 1.3 million of the lowest paid workers will be entitled to statutory sick pay for the first time, from April. Previously, a shop worker could be kept on a zero hours contract despite working regular hours for months on end. But now, under this law, they will automatically be offered a regular contract. Over 2 million workers will benefit from this change – with guaranteed hours and pay if their shifts are cancelled.
And this law tackles other dodgy practices too. For example, employers will no longer be able to push gag orders onto staff to prevent them disclosing sexual harassment. This is a major modernisation of the world of work – bringing it into the 21st century at last.
Mirror readers know why this matters. Because it’s not just the privileged few that grow Britain’s economy and keep the country running. It’s the cleaners, carers, nurses, engineers, shop workers, drivers, builders, bar tenders, teachers and teaching assistants, technicians, cooks and more – people who have slogged their guts out all year.
Whatever your job, you deserve to be treated with respect in work and to be recognised for the incredible contribution you make. That’s what this new law does. It gives workers the rights and respect they have been crying out for. Because it’s the right thing to do – and because it’s the best way to build a strong economy. That’s why are also stepping up our efforts to help with the cost of living.
We’re helping with the cost of childcare. We’re taking £150 off energy bills. And we’re increasing pay packets, by raising the living wage and the minimum wage. My message to hard-working people is that we’re on your side. We’re fighting for you – to make your lives better. And today shows that we’re delivering.
