The Liberal Democrats have come under fire for allegedly obstructing a significant bill aimed at benefiting seven million workers with sick pay. Paul Nowak, the head of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), is expected to criticize the Liberal Democrats, led by Sir Ed Davey, for stalling the progress of the Labour’s Employment Rights Bill in the House of Lords, going against their own election promises.

During his address at the Co-operative Party conference, Nowak will lambast both the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives for causing delays in passing crucial legislation. He will highlight that the legislation, if enacted, would bring about transformative changes benefiting millions of individuals, including seven million who are set to receive day one sick pay starting next April.

Nowak is anticipated to stress the importance of supporting the bill, emphasizing that the public will not forgive peers who hinder the government from fulfilling its manifesto commitments. He will urge the Liberal Democrat peers to act responsibly, aligning with the desires of not only their own voters but also those of Labour, Conservative, and Reform Party supporters, as enhanced workplace rights are favored by a broad political spectrum.

Once the bill receives Royal Assent, it will introduce new rights for flexible working, protection against sexual harassment, the cessation of fire and rehire practices, the repeal of anti-union laws, and a prohibition on zero-hour contracts. Additionally, the bill will enable unions to access workplaces, gain recognition, and advocate for workers.

The TUC has revealed that over a million people in the UK are on zero-hour contracts, with many others in precarious employment situations. Research conducted earlier this year disclosed that four million individuals are engaged in insecure work, amounting to one in eight of the workforce. The TUC indicated that insecure work poses widespread issues across the country, negatively impacting both workers and the economy.

Insecure work, as defined by the TUC, encompasses individuals on zero-hours contracts, agency workers, casual and seasonal employees (excluding those on fixed-term contracts), and low-paid self-employed individuals who lack essential rights and protections. The prevalence of insecure work surged under the Conservative government, escalating by 800,000 between 2011 and 2024.

The Liberal Democrats have chosen not to provide a comment on the matter.