Unite has welcomed the government plans to strengthen elements of its Employment Rights Bill ahead of the legislation’s report stage. The government has listened to Unite and other unions. Workers are an important part of any growth strategy and the government's acknowledgement of that has been essential.
Agency worker protection
The government has accepted Unite’s concerns to ensure that agency workers and those in precarious employment come fully under the scope of the Bill, for example by ensuring agency workers can receive a guaranteed hours’ contract.
Unite has welcomed the proposals which strengthen the bill including in the areas of recognition rights, industrial action, e-balloting and workplace ballots and the statutory creation of equality reps.
Workers' voices heard
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite has been ensuring that the workers' voice is heard every step of the way so that a fairer environment for workers is created. In many areas the government has listened and acted.
“For decades workers' rights have been pushed down the agenda. This is the first time in a generation that workers' rights have been taken seriously.”
Further improvements needed
Despite the positive strengthening of the Bill there are areas where Unite believes the government can and should have gone further. This includes not taking further action to ensure an outright ban on fire and rehire and the lack of stronger measures to ensure unions have a right of access to workplaces to organise workers.
Sharon Graham added: “The government will come to realise that not introducing an outright ban on fire and rehire is a mistake. The new rules will continue to allow the most unscrupulous firms to use this disgraceful practice. Fire and rehire should be banned outright - no ifs or buts.
“Unions are an integral part of ensuring more money goes into workers' pockets. This in turn boosts economic growth. It is vital that unions are able to represent all workers who want to be in a union. Access is an important first step. “
Unite believes that the Bill can further be strengthened by amendments at Report Stage which takes place on 11 - 12 March or when the Bill makes its progress through the House of Lords.