Rayner boasts about masterminding Labour’s worker’s rights explosion blamed for heaping costs onto struggling firms
Angela Rayner used her address to the Trade Union Congress in Brighton to celebrate the Employment Rights Act, which came into force in December, crediting union leaders for helping shape legislation that expanded sick pay, paternity leave and other worker protections. The Communities Secretary's remarks come as unions push Labour to go further with additional reforms, while critics argue the changes have added costly red tape for businesses already struggling with rising expenses.
Rayner, who championed the bill before quitting as deputy prime minister over a tax dispute and later returning to government under Andy Burnham, told delegates she had delivered the legislation within 100 days despite doubts it was achievable. Conservative shadow business secretary Julia Lopez hit back, saying the act was deterring firms from hiring, particularly young people, and accused unions of seeking a return to pre-Thatcher-era influence. Rayner also used the speech to attack Reform UK over £72 million in donations from two crypto billionaires, warning that a Reform government would scrap workers' and renters' rights protections.
In short
- Rayner hailed the Employment Rights Act at the TUC conference in Brighton.
- Tories say the law is deterring hiring and costing businesses millions.
- Rayner accused Reform UK of serving crypto donor interests over workers.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that stronger sick pay, paternity leave and other protections give workers greater security and dignity, and can help create fairer, more stable workplaces. They see unions’ role in shaping the law as a way to ensure workers’ experiences inform policy, and argue that protections should not be sacrificed simply to reduce employers’ costs.
The case against
Critics argue that added obligations and administrative costs may be difficult for firms already facing rising expenses, making them more cautious about hiring, especially young people. They contend that employment rules should balance worker protections with businesses’ ability to create jobs, and that unions should not gain influence at the expense of that balance.
Explained simply
The Employment Rights Act changed the rules governing work in Britain, adding protections including expanded sick pay and paternity leave. It was introduced by Labour, which says the changes strengthen workers’ rights.
Angela Rayner was a senior Labour minister who championed the legislation, while trade unions helped shape it and are calling for further reforms. Businesses and opposition politicians have raised concerns that the rules could increase costs and make firms less likely to hire.
The debate matters because employment law affects workers’ security and the costs employers face. It also reflects wider political disagreement about the role of trade unions and how far governments should regulate workplaces.