Labour Unions Demand Starmer Uphold Workers’ Rights Bill After Rayner Quits

Following the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, a key proponent of the workers' rights bill, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer faces intense pressure from unions and party insiders to uphold the legislation without dilution. The bill, which promises the most significant uplift in workers' rights in a generation, aims to strengthen protections such as day one unfair dismissal rights and the automatic right to request regular hours, but it has drawn criticism from business groups like UKHospitality, who warn it could cost companies £5 billion annually and hinder economic growth. Despite concerns within the Labour Party and calls from some senior figures to scale back the bill amid fears of increased strikes and economic impact, union leaders, including TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak, have vowed to fight any watering down of the measures. Rayner's departure has also left Starmer without his most trusted minister to negotiate compromises with the party's Left, raising questions about the bill's future as it returns to the House of Commons for debate. Business groups continue to lobby for changes to reduce red tape, while trade unions remain firm in their demand that the government delivers on its promises to workers. The ongoing debate highlights a clash between efforts to boost economic growth and the commitment to enhance workers' rights in the UK.