US EditionStarmer faces Labour revolt over axing ‘day one’ workers’ rights reforms in manifesto breach
Labour delayed unfair dismissal rights until six months to secure Employment Rights Bill passage, retaining other day-one benefits like paternity leave and sick pay from April 2026.
- On Thursday, the Labour government axed day‑one unfair dismissal protection, introducing a six months qualifying period while retaining day‑one paternity leave and sick pay from April 2026.
- After negotiations this week, the Employment Rights Bill moved forward following a stand-off between peers and MPs, with six industry groups and trade unions reaching a compromise amid business concerns over costs and recruitment.
- Labour backbench MPs reacted with anger, calling the climbdown disappointing or a 'complete betrayal'; Unite boss Sharon Graham said the Bill was now a 'shell of its former self', while Justin Madders disputed Business Secretary Peter Kyle's denial of a manifesto breach.
- The Times reports Sir Keir Starmer faces a revolt from Labour MPs after scrapping day-one protections, amid accusations of the 'second manifesto breach in as many days' following the Budget.
- With a long parliamentary timetable, ministers said the Government might revisit protections later as the Bill proceeds through Parliament, while employers warned of concerns over thresholds for industrial action and guaranteed hours contracts.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Not one day without its corresponding shock. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Labour, is once again faced with the discomfort of his Members over the umpteenth right-wing rectification of his election promises. The British Government has decided at the last minute to back off its commitment to strengthen workers’ protection against unfair dismissal from the first day of the contract.
Starmer faces backbench anger after ‘day one’ workers’ right U-turn
MPs including a former employment minister have said the move breaches Labour’s manifesto. Sir Keir Starmer is facing backbench anger after ministers abandoned plans to give workers day-one protection against unfair dismissal in a U-turn that breaches the Labour manifesto. MPs including a former minister who spearheaded the Employment Rights Bill with ex-deputy leader Angela Rayner voiced concerns over the climbdown announced by the Government o…
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