Political opinion column with Kate Dearden MP: Delivering a generational upgrade to workers’ rights in Halifax
Working people in Halifax have waited too long for stronger rights at work. That is now changing.
The Employment Rights Act has passed into law, delivering the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation and shifting the balance back towards fairness, security and respect in the workplace.
As the Minister responsible for this legislation, I am proud to have secured these long overdue protections for local workers, despite relentless opposition from the Conservatives and Reform, who at every stage tried to weaken, delay or block the Act altogether. Time and again they voted against better rights at work, making it clear that they are not on the side of working people.
As early as April, residents in Halifax will benefit from day one rights to paternity, bereavement and parental leave, as well as strengthened statutory sick pay. These are practical changes that will improve security at work and support families, changes opposed by the Conservatives and Reform.
The Act also puts an end to exploitative zero hours contracts. Those who genuinely want the flexibility of zero hours will still be able to choose that, but where people work regular hours over a set period, those hours will now be guaranteed. I know from speaking to constituents across Halifax how damaging insecure work can be, making it harder to plan household finances, arrange childcare or simply know what you will earn from one month to the next.
Strong employment rights go hand in hand with a strong economy. The Employment Rights Act has been designed to work for both workers and responsible employers. Many local businesses already treat their staff well and see the benefits through higher retention, a more committed workforce and better outcomes.
Too often, however, they are undercut by bad employers. It's why, from April, we're launching the Fair Work Agency, with stronger enforcement powers to tackle rogue employers and level the playing field. This will back good businesses, protect workers and ensure rules are properly enforced.
As we deliver this generational upgrade to workers’ rights, we are also working closely with local businesses to help them grow, strengthen our local economy and create the well paid, secure jobs that Halifax needs. During my recent meeting with the British Business Bank, we discussed how they are already supporting entrepreneurs in Halifax, providing more than 180 start up loans.
I'll keep working with our local Jobcentre, Youth Hub, and organisations like C and K Careers, who help people gain the skills they need to get back into work, open up new opportunities and ensure Halifax has a strong and resilient workforce.
This is why the new partnership between trade unions, employers and government is so important. By working together, we can respond better to local need, grow our economy and raise standards across the board.
I am proud to be part of a Government that is raising the floor on workplace rights, because you cannot build a strong economy while people are trapped in insecure work. By giving working people greater security and fairness, we can deliver a stronger, fairer and brighter future for the world of work.