Tory and Lib Dem peers accused of 'cynical attacks' on workers' rights - 'get out the way'

The TUC has warned Tory and Lib Dem Peers to “get out of the way” and “stop trying to block” stronger employment rights for millions of workers.

The union body is urging the government to “stand firm” in the face of what it calls “cynical attacks” on the Employment Rights Bill.

The landmark legislation, which is currently going through the House of Lords, was a key pillar of Labour's election campaign.

Spearheaded by Deputy PM Angela Rayner, the workers' rights package will end exploitative zero hours contracts, ban bad bosses from using agency staff to replace sacked employees and give expectant parents bereavement leave if they lose a pregnancy before 24 weeks.

READ MORE: New workers rights law - all changes from sick pay to parental leave and how they affect you

But the TUC has warned that the Tories and Lib Dems are “doing the bidding of bad bosses” by trying to water down the legislation in the Lords. It hit out at opposition peers voting to “attack” teaching assistants’ pay and exempt voluntary work on heritage railways from restrictions on employment of children.

The Bill will return to the House of Commons in September for MPs to consider the House of Lords’ proposed changes to the legislation. The two Houses will continue to vote on amendments in a process known as “ping-pong” until a way forward is agreed.

A recent TUC mega poll revealed huge support across the country – including among Conservative voters – for key policies in the Bill.

More than seven in 10 (72%) of UK voters support a ban on zero hours contracts – including 63% of Tory voters, the survey found. And three quarters (73%) of voters support giving all workers protection from unfair dismissal from the first day in the job - including 62% of Conservative.

READ MORE: Labour's bill to overhaul workers' rights hailed as 'game changing' for millions

READ MORE: Zero-hours workers beg MPs to back law change - 'your boss can make your hours disappear'

The TUC said peers who are trying to water down the legislation are not just “out of touch" but are "actively defying" voters across the country.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: "It's time for Tory and Lib Dem Peers to get out of the way and stop trying to block stronger rights for millions of workers. They are doing the bidding of bad bosses by voting to keep workers on zero hours contracts, allowing bosses to sack workers unfairly and attacking teaching assistants’ pay.”

He added: "Banning zero-hours contracts and protecting workers from unfair dismissal are common-sense protections that the vast majority of the people, including Tory and Lib Dem voters, want to see become law.

"These Peers are not just out of touch, they are actively defying their own voters – and the public at large. The government must stand firm in the face of cynical attacks and deliver the Employment Rights Bill in full.”

A Liberal Democrat spokesman said: “ Liberal Democrats have always championed stronger rights at work, and it’s disappointing that Labour chose to block (/vote against) our proposals to support carers and whistleblowers.

“Unfortunately we fear parts of Labour’s rushed bill would be bad for workers in small businesses and family farms.

“They were badly let down by the Conservative Party, and Labour seems to have a blindspot when it comes to farms and small businesses too. We support the bill as a whole and have worked constructively to try and improve it.”

The Tories were contacted for comment.

::: Focaldata conducted a poll of 21,270 UK adults for the TUC from Nov 30 to Jan 8.

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