Union leader slams Labour’s workers’ rights shake-up and says it has ‘more holes than Swiss cheese’
A UNION leader has taken aim at Labour’s workers’ rights shake-up — saying it leaves “more holes than Swiss cheese”.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the Employment Rights Bill did not go far enough and would fail to make work pay — a key election pledge.
She said: “The bill still ties itself up in knots trying to avoid what was promised.
“Failure to end ‘fire and rehire’ and zero hours contracts once and for all will leave more holes than Swiss cheese that hostile employers will use.”
Her comments echo the fears of some business leaders who describe the bill as “clumsy and chaotic” and worry it will add to red tape and prompt a hiring freeze.
The legislation, due to come into force in 2026, will hand workers rights — including to parental leave and sick pay — from day one.
Deputy PM Angela Rayner defended her reforms, insisting: “These packages are pro-business and pro-worker.”
MPs are set to vote on the bill for the first time on October 21, ahead of its second reading in the Commons.
Yesterday, Tina McKenzie, at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “This legislation is a rushed job, clumsy, chaotic and poorly planned.
“It lacks any real pro-growth element and will increase economic inactivity, jeopardising the Government’s employment target.”
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “Our plan will see more Sun readers get security for the future while ensuring businesses are on a level playing field.”
Kevin Hollinrake, the Shadow Business Secretary, said: “Despite a chorus of opposition, Labour are rushing this legislation through to appease their union paymasters.”