Starmer backs Rayner’s push for even more workers’ rights
KEIR Starmer insisted a Labour government would ban zero-hours contracts and implement a ‘new deal for workers’ – championed by his deputy Angela Rayner – in full.
The Labour leader appeared to brush off criticism from party grandees such as Peter Mandelson by saying the measures would increase productivity and grow the economy.
Launching Labour’s local elections campaign in Dudley in the West Midlands, Sir Keir also praised Boris Johnson’s flagship levelling up agenda, but accused Rishi Sunak of failing to deliver on regional inequality.
The party’s plans to strengthen workers’ rights through measures such as ending controversial ‘fire and rehire’ practices have been criticised by both big business and senior Labour figures.
Last week Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves also hinted the policy – like many of Sir Keir’s pledges – could be watered down when she said Labour must ‘work with business as we deliver and implement these policies’. She also suggested that only ‘exploitative’ zero-hours contracts would be banned, as opposed to a blanket policy.
Lord Mandelson, one of the architects of New Labour, wrote in The Sunday Times that the party should not betray business with the policy.
‘Investors will have eyes on the total UK business environment, including regulation.
This includes labour market and trade union law,’ he said.‘There is a clear case for reform but... this must not be rushed but it must be done in consultation with business.’
But Sir Keir guaranteed a Labour government would impose the deal in full, adding: ‘I believe deep down that respect and dignity at work matters. If you do treat people with respect and dignity at work then that increases productivity, that increases the growth in your business and enterprise and it is actually good for the economy.’
Tory MP Marco Longhi said: ‘Perhaps Keir
‘They should not betray business’
Starmer could start with Labour HQ staff then, and Labour MPs who employ people on zero-hours contracts. Hypocrite.’
The Labour leader was also forced to defend his record of U-turning on policy promises, having accused the Conservatives of ‘preying on people’s hopes’ for the sake of votes. ‘What I’ve done is to take difficult decisions before the election about what we can deliver,’ he said. ‘Sometimes that has required us to adjust our position.’