The Liberal Democrats have come under fire for allegedly obstructing a significant bill aimed at benefiting seven million workers with sick pay entitlement. Paul Nowak, the head of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), is expected to criticize the Liberal Democrats for delaying the progress of Labour’s Employment Rights Bill in the House of Lords, which contradicts their own promises made in their manifesto.
Speaking at the Co-operative Party conference, Mr. Nowak will condemn both the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives for causing delays in the enactment of crucial legislation. He will address the issue of the legislation being stalled by the Liberal Democrat and Tory Peers, despite the positive impact it would have on millions of individuals benefiting from the proposed reforms.
Mr. Nowak is anticipated to stress that the delay is preventing seven million workers from receiving day one sick pay starting next April. He will emphasize the importance of the Lords supporting the Bill to ensure the fulfillment of government pledges and to reflect the desires of voters across different political affiliations.
Once the bill receives Royal Assent, it will introduce new rights for flexible working arrangements, protection against sexual harassment, an end to the practice of “fire and rehire,” a repeal of anti-union laws, and a prohibition on zero-hour contracts. Additionally, the bill will grant unions enhanced rights to access workplaces, secure recognition, and represent employees.
The TUC estimates that over one million individuals in the UK are engaged in zero-hour contracts, with a significant portion facing job insecurity. Recent research indicates that approximately 4 million people in the UK workforce are in insecure employment, a situation deemed detrimental to both workers and the economy. Insecure work, which includes zero-hours contracts, agency roles, and low-paid self-employment without adequate rights and protections, has significantly risen under the Conservative government.
The Liberal Democrats have chosen not to provide a comment on the matter.