Businesses will pay for woke union reps under Labour’s plans to shake up workers’ rights
BUSINESSES will have to pay for a woke union “equality officer” under Labour’s plans to shake-up workers’ rights.
A leaked copy of the party’s New Deal for Working People shows Sir Keir Starmer would introduce legal rights for a “trade union equality rep” in the workplace.
The rep would be free to take time out from their normal duties to conduct union activities.
The document, seen by The Telegraph, says: “Labour will introduce statutory rights for trade union equality reps in order to strengthen equality at work for all.”
The Tories yesterday accused Deputy Labour Leader Angela Rayner of plotting a huge expansion of woke red tape that would “cut productivity and hike costs” across public and private sectors.
Minister for Common Sense Esther McVey said: “Under Angela Rayner’s bung to the unions, companies will be enveloped in French-style union laws, pushing up costs.
“Her socialist ‘wokeforce’ will hammer productivity and make Britain less competitive.
“Conservatives will champion equality of opportunity, rather than divisive identity politics.
“We are cutting back this waste, so public servants can focus on delivering high-quality public services.”
The New Deal for Working People, first announced in 2021, will also include a requirement for public bodies to spend more time producing equality paperwork.