Fury at new Tory tax on trade unions
MINISTERS have been slammed for slapping an “ideological” new tax on trade unions with huge financial penalties.
Unions and MPs say it is an assault on workers fighting for better terms.
The Tory levy will mean unions have to pay 2.5% of all their income to cover the cost of the regulator conducting complaints against them.
The scheme will cost £1.15million when it starts in 2023 but experts warn it could rise to £30m.
ATTACK
The annual cost for the office of the regulator is currently £700,000.
Labour warns plans to allow complaints from non-members could lead to anti-union protests.
Imran Hussain, Shadow Employment Rights Minister, said: “This is a deliberate, ideological attack on unions, workers and their rights.”
The changes – part of the 2016 Trade Union Act – were introduced by the back door, bypassing full debate in the Commons.
TUC boss Frances O’Grady said: “The Government is trying to tie unions in more red tape.”
Employment Minister Paul Scully denied the move was political and said it was “wholly reasonable”.