Out-of-touch members of the House of Lords are going against the will of voters by aligning with employers who are not supportive of workers’ rights reforms, as stated by the TUC leader. TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak criticized Conservative and Liberal Democrat peers for stalling the progress of the Employment Rights Bill by proposing amendments that weaken protections for millions of workers.

Scheduled for discussion in the House of Lords on Tuesday, the Bill aims to prohibit exploitative zero-hours contracts, grant compensation rights for canceled shifts, and prevent unjust dismissals from the first day of employment. However, its advancement is hindered by amendments from Conservative and Liberal Democrat peers, including one that could allow employers to avoid offering guaranteed hours contracts to workers.

Another proposed amendment seeks to establish a six-month qualifying period before employees are safeguarded against unfair terminations. According to TUC analysis, over 2 million workers could lose protection against unjust dismissals if these amendments are approved.

Nowak criticized the actions of the Lords, stating that their support for zero-hours contracts and their denial of protection to 2 million workers facing unfair dismissals reveal an alignment with unfavorable employers. He emphasized that ending zero-hours contracts and safeguarding workers from unjust dismissals are sensible measures that most people, including Conservative and Liberal Democrat supporters, desire to see enforced as laws.

He further noted that while it may not be surprising for Conservative peers to vote against workers’ interests, opposition members should be cautious about appearing out of touch and going against the wishes of their own supporters and the general public. Nowak called for them to step back so that the government can implement new rights for millions of workers.

Recent research by Hope Not Hate indicated strong public support for protecting workers from unfair dismissals starting from their first day at work, with significant backing from both Conservative and Liberal Democrat voters. The majority of respondents also favored requiring employers to offer zero-hours contract workers guaranteed-hours contracts after a 12-week period.