Reform UK equal pay plan could reduce women’s wages, unions warn
9 reported
A proposed law by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to strengthen women's rights could instead cost female workers money by removing equal pay for work of equal value, according to unions. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) stated the new policy, which would replace the 2010 Equality Act, puts in doubt the right to equal pay for jobs that are different but require comparable skill, effort and responsibility. Reform UK has suggested women's rights are better protected by laws from the 1970s and 1990s, including the Equal Pay Act 1970 and the Employment Rights Act 1996. The party's proposed "women and motherhood protection act" would extend the time limit for pregnancy and maternity claims of unfair dismissal from three months to 12 months. The TUC general secretary Paul Nowak called the proposal a "smokescreen for slashing women's rights" and described the comments around motherhood as patronising. The proposal comes ahead of the Makerfield byelection, where Reform candidate Robert Kenyon has faced criticism over alleged past comments about women.
What’s reported
Reform UK proposed a "women and motherhood protection act" that would supersede the 2010 Equality Act.
The TUC said the proposal puts in doubt the right to equal pay for work of equal value.
Reform UK stated the Equal Pay Act 1970 ensures same pay for same work, and the Employment Rights Act 1996 ensures parental leave and unfair dismissal protection.
The new act would extend the time limit for pregnancy and maternity claims of unfair dismissal from three months to 12 months.
More than 3,500 workers at Next won a six-year equal pay battle in 2024; Next is appealing.
Paul Nowak, TUC general secretary, described the proposal as "shameless and deceptive."
Nate Barber of Equal Pay Action said scrapping the Equality Act should concern every worker, particularly women.
Katharine Sacks-Jones of Young Women's Trust said women are still facing unequal pay and should push for more progress.
Makerfield byelection is on Thursday; Reform candidate Robert Kenyon has been accused of making offensive comments about women on social media.
Key figures
Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader
Paul Nowak, TUC general secretary
Nate Barber, lawyer with Equal Pay Action
Katharine Sacks-Jones, chief executive at Young Women's Trust
Robert Kenyon, Reform UK candidate in Makerfield
Andy Burnham, electoral challenger in Makerfield
Sources: The Guardian
