Sadiq Khan has urged the Government to resist “siren voices” pushing for a landmark expansion of workers' rights to be watered down. The Mayor of London said the plans in the Employment Rights Bill, which include a ban on exploitative zero-hours contracts, new rights to flexible working and day one sick pay, are a “win win” for bosses and employees. But the policy has come under constant attack from big business and right-wingers, sparking fears it could be watered down as Chancellor Rachel Reeves pushes for growth.
Mr Khan told the Mirror: "This set of national policies – including the Employment Rights Bill – offers a golden opportunity to replicate London’s success with the Good Work Standard on a countrywide scale. It’s why we must oppose any effort to water down this legislation from the same siren voices who opposed the minimum wage. Fair pay, secure jobs, safe workplaces and proper rights for working people should always be non-negotiable.".
He praised the trade union movement, saying his bus driver dad got a solid wage and support from his rep when he was assaulted on the job. But his mum, who was a seamstress, missed out on support because her work wasn’t unionised. Mr Khan said: “These early experiences – of seeing a trade union fight the corner of a working-class family – left a lasting impression on me. They convinced me of the vital role unions have to play in our society as advocates for working people.”.
In London, employers are encouraged to sign up to the Good Work Standard, a free programme which sets a benchmark for good employment practices. It includes paying the £13.85-an-hour London Living Wage, providing secure contracts, supporting workplace wellbeing and investing in skills, opportunities and progression for workers. He said: "I’ll continue to be both proudly pro-unions and pro-business. Unfortunately, some people think there’s a tension - or contradiction - between these positions. But in London, we’re proving that’s not the case and demonstrating it is possible to be an ally of unions and employers at the same time.".
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NEWSLETTER: Or sign up here to the Mirror's Politics newsletter for all the best exclusives and opinions straight to your inbox. PODCAST: And listen to our exciting new political podcast The Division Bell, hosted by the Mirror and the Express every Thursday. It comes after a megapoll of over 21,000 people found widespread support for the policies, including from Tory and Reform voters. The research for the TUC found more than 7 in 10 (72%) of voters support a ban on zero hours contracts - including 2 in 3 Reform (65%) and Conservative (63%) voters.
Some 3 in 4 (74%) voters backed giving all workers the right to statutory sick pay from day one - including 2 in 3 Reform (64%) and Conservative (62%) voters. The Employment Rights Bill is currently going through scrutiny in the Commons after being introduced last year. A Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said: “Our plan to Make Work Pay is a crucial part of our mission to go further and faster on delivering economic growth so working people feel the benefits by boosting their pay and raising living standards across the country. “This pro-business, pro-worker Government has already engaged extensively with businesses and unions and an initial package of formal consultations closed in early December. We look forward to more discussions in the coming months to ensure the Bill works for workers and employers alike.”.
