Minister defends UK workers’ rights reforms as level playing field
11 reported
Employment minister Kate Dearden has defended the government's workers' rights reforms, stating they bring the UK to a "level playing field" with other OECD countries. The Employment Rights Act became law last year, with provisions being implemented this year and next. Business groups have warned the changes, including enhanced sick pay and dismissal rights, and union access to workplaces, will impose significant costs and may deter hiring. Dearden spoke from the International Labour Organization ministerial conference in Geneva, where she compared notes with other countries. She acknowledged some workers prefer flexible hours but said getting the balance right on zero-hours contracts could be "transformational" for low-paid workers. Dearden also restated Labour's manifesto commitment to equalising youth minimum wage rates with the adult rate, though the timeline is up to the independent Low Pay Commission.
What’s reported
The Employment Rights Act became law last year, with provisions being implemented this year and next.
Business groups have warned the changes will impose significant additional costs and could deter hiring.
Dearden said the reforms bring the UK to a "level playing field" with most OECD countries.
Dearden spoke from the ILO ministerial conference in Geneva.
Andy Burnham is expected to continue the government's approach if he wins next week's Makerfield byelection and supplants Keir Starmer as Labour leader.
Ministers are consulting on regulations to oblige workers to be given regular hours instead of zero-hours contracts.
The British Retail Consortium chief executive Helen Dickinson warned ministers not to "regulate flexible jobs out of existence."
Dearden indicated areas for further consideration, including rights for unpaid carers and AI's impact on the labour market.
The government has increased youth minimum wage rates by 8.5% for 18- to 20-year-olds this year, compared with 4.1% for the adult national living wage.
Thinktanks including the Resolution Foundation have urged Labour not to equalise youth and adult rates amid rising youth unemployment.
Dearden said the Low Pay Commission has not found evidence that young people's prospects have been damaged by the rising wage floor.
Key figures
Kate Dearden, employment minister and MP for Halifax since 2024
Andy Burnham, expected to continue government's approach if he wins Makerfield byelection
Keir Starmer, current Labour leader
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium
Low Pay Commission (LPC), independent body
Sources: The Guardian
