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Employment Rights: Government Plans
25 January 2021
Lead MP
Eleanor Laing
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Employment
Other Contributors: 47
At a Glance
Eleanor Laing raised concerns about employment rights: government plans in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
I advise the House that Speaker has selected the amendment in the name of the Prime Minister.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Welcomes the Secretary of State to his place and pays tribute to keyworkers who have persevered throughout the pandemic. He argues that the Government’s proposal to review employment rights is shocking, especially considering the impact on health and safety protections. The MP also criticises plans to exclude overtime when calculating holiday pay entitlements and mentions specific figures for workers in different industries. Additionally, he discusses fire and re-hire tactics, calling for legislation to end such practices. Andy McDonald emphasises that undermining employment rights does not serve the UK's best interests.
Kwasi Kwarteng
Con
Spelthorne
The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy reassures the House that there is no plan to reduce workers' rights post-Brexit. He emphasises the Government's commitment to maintaining or enhancing existing protections such as the 48-hour weekly working limit and annual leave entitlements. Kwasi Kwarteng highlights several Conservative initiatives like introducing shared parental leave, pay, and the national living wage, which have contributed to record employment rates before the pandemic. The Minister also addresses concerns about 'fire and rehire' tactics used by some employers during the pandemic, confirming that ACAS is investigating the issue.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
The Member of Parliament inquired whether the Secretary of State agrees with his colleague's condemnation of 'fire and rehire' tactics. He also questioned if the Government would legislate to outlaw such practices.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
The Member of Parliament requested that the Secretary of State commit to legislating against 'fire and rehire' tactics once and for all, indicating support from his party if such legislation is proposed.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
The Member highlighted previous Conservative measures that were detrimental to workers' rights, including reducing consultation periods and introducing employment tribunal fees. He asked the Secretary of State to address these issues as well.
Drew Hendry
SNP
Inverness N & Strathspey
Mr. Hendry highlighted that his colleague's Bill to ban fire and rehire has been backed by major trade unions, including Unite, the British Airline Pilots Association, and GMB Scotland. He emphasised that this amendment would benefit millions of people overnight and support responsible employers while making it clear to those with less scruples that these actions are not permitted in any country across the UK.
Drew Hendry
SNP
Inverness N & Strathspey
Mr. Hendry expressed concern over the UK Government’s shabby treatment of their own Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency workforce, which sets a worrying precedent for workers’ rights in the coming months and years.
Drew Hendry
SNP
Inverness N & Strathspey
Mr. Hendry criticised the UK Government's approach to deregulation post-Brexit, stating that despite initial promises to protect workers’ rights, there are few who believe they will renege on these promises.
Drew Hendry
SNP
Inverness N & Strathspey
Mr. Hendry reiterated the SNP's commitment to fair work practices and outlined the Scottish Government’s efforts to embed fair work across public, private, and third sectors through their fair work action plan.
Drew Hendry
SNP
Inverness N & Strathspey
Mr. Hendry concluded by stating that if Westminster continues with an anti-worker ideology, it is crucial to devolve employment law powers to Scotland. He emphasised the need for the UK Government and Members of all parties to support his colleague’s Bill to outlaw fire and rehire.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
The speaker emphasised the importance of job creation and maintaining employment rights. He urged the government to explore deregulation to support economic recovery, highlighting the UK's flexible labour market as a key asset for attracting investment.
Supporting the motion, she advocated for new employment rights that better accommodate modern family structures. She proposed extending paid sick leave to cover parents and grandparents when children are ill, enhancing current rights to support working families.
He questioned the necessity of the debate given existing strong workers' rights in the UK and the government's commitment to maintaining them. He supported measures to protect low-paid workers in the gig economy and praised recent initiatives such as extending day-one written statements of rights.
Ian Lavery
Lab
Blyth and Ashington
He criticised the Government for using Brexit and the pandemic as an opportunity to weaken workers' rights. He highlighted concerns about 'fire and rehire' practices and called for constructive dialogue with trade unions.
Jane Stevenson
Con
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
The speaker expresses support for workers' rights but will abstain from the vote due to concerns about aggressive political campaigning. She highlights positive changes made by the Government, such as increasing holiday pay reference periods, scrapping the Swedish derogation, and requiring employers to provide written statements of workers’ rights on day one.
Vicky Foxcroft
Lab
Lewisham North
The speaker emphasises the importance of strong employee rights in fostering a happy, productive workforce. She criticises the proposed changes to workers' rights and highlights the role trade unions play in ensuring fair treatment for employees.
Jamie Wallis
Con
Bridgend
The speaker supports the Government's commitment to not lowering standards of workers’ rights. He mentions that the national living wage will increase, and argues that a free market with targeted investment in skills training is the best way to improve conditions for British workers.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham
The speaker supports the motion and criticises the Government's consultation with businesses on changes to workers' rights. He argues that such changes undermine economic security and highlight immoral business practices by companies like British Gas.
Mick Whitley
Lab
Cynon Valley
The current review of the working time directive threatens my constituents who are already struggling to make ends meet. The Government’s intent is clear: diluting workers’ rights will do nothing to address economic issues and only compound suffering in-work poverty.
Matt Vickers
Con
Stockton West
The UK has one of the best records in workers' rights globally, going beyond EU standards. The Government aims to enhance these rights further post-Brexit, ensuring a high-wage, high-employment economy that works for everyone. Providing employees with safe, secure and rewarding work environments is key to getting the best out of them.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Gower
The review of workers' rights undermines the protections in place for those keeping this country going during a crisis. Workers at DVLA offices in Swansea, many of whom are shielding or at high risk, have faced a covid-19 outbreak with inadequate management support. This is unacceptable behaviour from a Government agency.
I address fire and rehire practices that cause stress for many constituents. The Employment Appeal Tribunal in 1990 stated employers cannot force workers to accept different terms, leading to unfair dismissal claims if shown a genuine business reason. The Government should enhance tribunal powers rather than enacting new laws. Workers' rights like overtime in holiday pay originate from Conservative legislation. Automation threatens 1.5 million jobs over the next few years, requiring innovative solutions such as lifetime skills guarantees.
Hayes and Harlington
The review of trade union rights by a body comprising anti-trade union employers is untrustworthy. My constituents at Heathrow airport have been fired and rehired under inferior contracts, with wages cut by 25%, despite working throughout the pandemic to keep the airport running. Unite offered a deal for temporary measures but was rejected. The company uses strike-breaking measures while arguing for a third runway's benefits during normal times. I urge the Government to legislate against fire and rehire loopholes, condemn Heathrow Airport Ltd’s treatment of employees, and join me in sending solidarity messages to striking workers.
The motion is based on a newspaper report for Labour's social media attacks. The UK has some of the best employment rights records, independent of the EU. We will maintain existing protections while embracing opportunities for growth, innovation and job creation. We need to ensure workers enjoy all future opportunities with a focus on jobs, skills, and working conditions fit for the 21st century amidst rapid changes in the workplace environment.
Arfon
The Government's obsession with deregulation is not just reasonable concern but an article of faith. While the UK was already opting out of certain regulations during its EU membership, there are concerns about further potential rollbacks on workers' rights such as working time directive protections and fire-and-rehire practices. Williams urges for a future review that considers trends towards lower working hours, conditions of low-paid workers in insecure jobs, parental leave insufficiency, breaks from work, and productivity measures to prevent burnout.
Mark Eastwood
Con
North West Cambridgeshire
Welcomes the Secretary of State's assurances on maintaining high standards for workers' rights. Discusses personal experience with intrusive employer monitoring during his career, highlighting how digital surveillance software and analogue methods can be distressing for employees. Advocates for proper use of performance monitoring to encourage progress and resolve issues but warns against overstepping into employee privacy.
James Murray
Lab Co-op
Ealing North
Critiques the Government's inaction on fire-and-rehire tactics used by companies like British Airways during the pandemic, despite receiving hundreds of millions in government aid. Raises concerns about similar practices at Heathrow airport and British Gas, stressing that fire-and-rehire is immoral and should be banned. Supports today’s motion to protect holiday pay entitlements and working hours restrictions.
Lee Anderson
Reform
Ashfield
Claims the Labour party lacks credibility on workers' rights due to their own employment practices that fell short of their living wage pledge. Questions whether Labour's policies, such as free movement and low wages, truly benefit British workers. Asserts that the UK has some of the best protections for workers' rights globally.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Free market extremists, who are now Cabinet members, seek to use Brexit and the economic crisis to undermine workers' rights. This will exacerbate poverty and unemployment. Labour's motion opposes fire and rehire practices and demands protections for rest breaks at work and holiday pay entitlements.
The Conservative party is committed to a high-wage, high-skill, high-standard economy with better wages than EU regulations. The UK has superior standards in annual leave, parental leave allowance, and maternity leave compared to the EU. Since 2010, the national minimum wage has increased by over 50%, and Labour's policies led to higher taxes for low-income workers.
Salford
Essential workers who have put their lives at risk during the pandemic are facing fire and rehire practices by employers, such as bus drivers at Go North West. The Secretary of State should urgently outlaw these practices and amend the Employment Rights Act to prevent unfair dismissals for reducing pay or benefits.
The Conservative party is dedicated to raising workers' rights standards while balancing economic flexibility with employee security, including new protections. The Government has introduced a furlough scheme and statutory leave for parental bereavement, which is the most generous offer in the world.
Rob Roberts
Con
Glasgow North West
Critiques Labour's approach as fear-mongering and divisive, highlighting government measures such as the national living wage increase and support packages during the pandemic. He defends employment flexibility and criticises misrepresentation of issues by Labour.
Warrington North
As a former trade union officer and current member, Charlotte Nichols addresses concerns over reduced holiday pay entitlements and underpayment for care workers in Warrington. She also critiques the increase in employment tribunal backlogs and supports stronger protections against 'fire and rehire' tactics employed by British Gas.
Marco Longhi
Con
Erewash
Marco Longhi provides a personal example of a business, Thomas Dudley Group, which supported its employees through the pandemic with pay cuts for directors and support measures like interest-free loans. He advocates for employer fairness while also supporting ACAS's work on understanding fire and rehire practices.
Sarah Owen
Lab
Luton North
Supports a private Member’s Bill to strengthen protections for care workers, criticises the lack of paid leave for pregnant women during the pandemic, and demands improved protections at work for expectant mothers. She also advocates against fire and rehire practices and supports zero-hours contract reforms.
Richard Graham
Con
Gloucester
Acknowledges agreement on employment rights but criticises the opposition for ignoring key points such as faster payment to small businesses, Labour's stance on a four-day working week, and issues in Leicester. Emphasises job creation through business support and green energy initiatives.
Dehenna Davison
Con
Barking
Critiques the opposition for spreading mistruths at a time of national crisis, highlighting the UK's superior employment rights compared to EU standards. Defends the government's commitment to introducing greater protections for workers and criticises the opposition for focusing on fearmongering instead of job creation.
Blackpool North and FY
Raises concerns over reports that ministers may weaken employment rights, declaring intent to hold the government accountable. Acknowledges Labour's introduction of the national minimum wage and emphasises public support for enhanced workplace rights. Criticises 'fire and rehire' tactics and urges a guarantee on protecting existing employment rights.
Chris Loder
Con
Westbourne
Claims the debate is driven by union interests rather than addressing current issues, highlighting discrepancies between UK and EU standards in areas like maternity leave. Criticises unions for funding Labour MPs to suppress workers' rights and praises government initiatives such as doubling personal income tax allowance.
Stresses that the UK has high standards for worker's rights which are independent of EU membership. Rejects the need for debate, arguing it is a distraction from focusing on job recovery and economic growth.
Declares support for workers' rights and criticises plans to dismantle them post-Brexit. Highlights Welsh Government initiatives protecting worker conditions and expresses concern over centralisation of power in the UK which risks undermining these efforts.
Denounces Opposition scaremongering tactics on employment rights, asserting that British workers are proud of their standards compared to EU ones. Emphasises higher benefits like living wage and maternity leave in the UK compared to EU requirements.
Ian Byrne
Lab
Liverpool West Derby
Expresses pride in being a member of GMB and Unite the union. Declares an interest due to his brother experiencing hire and rehire practices. Criticises potential government changes that would end the 48-hour working week, remove rest breaks, and reduce holiday pay entitlements. Highlights the pressure faced by workers, especially those in essential services like care work, cleaning, delivery driving, and retail during the pandemic. Calls for recognition and reward of these efforts instead of rolling back protections. Raises concerns about public sector pay freezes and proposed cuts to universal credit. Emphasises that existing employment rights were designed to protect physical and mental health but are often ignored by employers, leading to significant harm. Urges the government to focus on improving employment rights rather than reducing them, particularly concerning unfair dismissal practices in app-based courier and private hire companies.
Ed Miliband
Lab
Doncaster North
Acknowledged contributions from fellow MPs across parties, highlighted issues faced by workers, praised unity among key workers but criticised employers exploiting the situation. Emphasised the need for fair treatment and protection of workers' rights during rebuilding post-pandemic. Criticised government's past actions undermining employment rights and questioned their commitment to change.
Paul Scully
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
The Government have a track record of driving up worker protections. They will not take lectures from Labour on employment rights, pointing out that the UK has one of the best workers' rights records in the world with high minimum wage standards and extensive maternity leave compared to EU requirements. The Government are also acting decisively to protect jobs during the pandemic and urge employers to consider alternatives before making redundancies.
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