Tag: Reform Party

Reform UK signals plans to roll back key employment rights and worker protection

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A speaker gesturing passionately at a podium, promoting electoral reform, with a large banner in the background that reads 'Vote Reform'.

Solidarity is a non‑party‑political trade union. We are not affiliated to any political party and we don’t maintain a political fund. Our responsibility is to keep members informed when political proposals—by any party—could affect your rights, your security, or your working conditions.

Overview

Recent public statements from Reform UK’s leadership outline a programme of sweeping deregulation. These proposals include repealing new employment rights, removing protections for renters, and reversing measures designed to strengthen job security.

Union leaders across sectors have raised concerns that these plans would significantly weaken workers’ rights and shift power further towards employers.

What Reform UK says it intends to remove

Based on their own statements, Reform UK is proposing to:

  • Scrap new employment‑rights rules
  • Remove new protections for renters
  • Repeal regulations designed to improve job security
  • Roll back environmental and industrial regulations they describe as “daft” or burdensome

Their argument is that these rules “kill jobs” and “hinder growth,” and that removing them would reduce inflation and lower bills.

Rights and protections at risk

Union leaders have warned that the following rights could be lost if these proposals were implemented:

1. Ban on fire‑and‑rehire practices

New laws preventing employers from dismissing staff and rehiring them on worse terms could be scrapped.

2. Protections against exploitative zero‑hour contracts

Rules designed to curb the most abusive forms of insecure work may be removed.

3. Stronger unfair‑dismissal protections

Recent improvements that extend protection from unfair dismissal could be rolled back.

4. Parental leave and sick‑pay rights

Opposition parties and unions warn that hard‑won rights in these areas may be weakened or removed.

5. Local government pension security

Reform UK has said it would block new entrants to local government pension schemes and consolidate them into a sovereign wealth fund—raising concerns about long‑term retirement security.

6. Housing protections for renters

Rolling back new rental protections would affect millions of working people who rely on secure, safe housing.

Why this matters for members

If enacted, these proposals could affect:

  • Your job security
  • Your protection from unfair dismissal
  • Your rights around sick pay and parental leave
  • Your ability to avoid exploitative contracts
  • Your pension prospects
  • Your housing stability

These are not abstract issues—they shape the daily lives of working people.

Solidarity’s position

Solidarity does not support or oppose political parties.
Our duty is to:

  • Inform members about political proposals that may affect their rights
  • Defend and advance workplace protections
  • Ensure members understand the implications of changes being proposed

We will continue to monitor developments and provide clear, factual updates.

By Maria Camara

Poll Shows Overwhelming Public Support for Workers’ Rights Reforms

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A new poll conducted by the TUC and Hope Not Hate has revealed overwhelming public backing for key measures to strengthen workers’ rights across all constituencies.

Despite opposition from Conservative and Reform politicians, the survey of over 21,000 people shows that the British public—across all major political affiliations—strongly supports reforms aimed at improving job security and pay conditions.

Public Backs Key Workplace Reforms

The poll indicates strong cross-party support for policies in the Employment Rights Bill:

  • Banning zero-hours contracts: 72% of UK voters support a ban, including 65% of those who would vote Conservative and 67% of potential Reform voters. Only 15% oppose the policy.
  • Statutory sick pay from day one: 74% of voters back this measure, with 65% of Conservative-leaning and 66% of Reform-leaning voters in agreement. Just 14% are opposed.
  • Protection from unfair dismissal from day one: 73% of voters support immediate protection, including 65% of likely Conservative and 64% of likely Reform voters. Opposition stands at only 14%.
  • Greater flexibility in working hours: 74% of voters favour easier access to flexible working, with 67% of likely Conservative and 65% of likely Reform voters agreeing. Just 12% oppose the policy.

These findings highlight a significant gap between political rhetoric and voter sentiment.

Reform Party Votes Against Its Own Supporters’ Interests

The poll shows that even among Reform supporters, there is strong demand for better workplace protections.

In every constituency held by Reform—including party leader Nigel Farage’s seat—voters overwhelmingly support banning zero-hours contracts and ensuring sick pay from day one.

However, Reform MPs have consistently voted against these measures, placing them at odds with their own electorate.

Critics argue that this exposes the party’s alignment with corporate interests rather than the working people they claim to represent

By Pat Harrington

Reform and Tories vote against workers’ rights

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328 words, 2 minutes read time.

In a significant move for workers’ rights, the Employment Rights Bill has successfully passed its second reading in the Commons, despite facing opposition from Tory and Reform MPs. This landmark bill, which enjoys widespread support from the electorate, including those who traditionally vote for right-wing parties, promises to usher in a new era of protections for workers.

The TUC has expressed its disappointment in the Tory and Reform parties stance, stating that their vote against the bill reveals a disregard for the welfare of working people. The bill’s provisions, which include immediate protection against unfair dismissal, entitlement to sick pay, and restrictions on zero-hours contracts and the controversial ‘fire and rehire’ practices, are seen as essential steps in safeguarding workers’ rights.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak commented on the passage of the bill, highlighting the contrast between the bill’s intentions and the actions of the Conservatives and Reform. “At a time when so many are suffering in precarious and low-paid jobs, it’s disheartening to see these parties oppose measures that would improve the lives of millions,” he said.

Pat Harrington, General Secretary of Solidarity union commented, “Tories voting against the Bill was to be expected. The Reform MPs voting against shows that despite their spin that they are the champions of ordinary people they are not. They use Populist slogans but when you see how they vote it’s clear that they are no friends of the people.”

Labour MP Ian Lavery praised the bill as a pivotal move towards rectifying the injustices faced by the working class, a sentiment echoed by many of his colleagues. However, the debate also brought to light concerns over the bill’s silence on insourcing, with left MP John McDonnell cautioning that this omission could lead to industrial action within government departments.

The passage of the Employment Rights Bill marks a hopeful turning point for employment rights in the UK, signalling a commitment to creating a fairer and more secure working environment for all.

By Maria Camara