Unions warn Labour against delay on rights for workers

Trade union leaders have demanded Sir Keir Starmer produce “oven ready” legislation to reverse Tory anti-strike laws ahead of tomorrow’s King’s Speech.

- DAVID MADDOX

With 35 bills set to be contained in Labour’s first legislative programme in 14 years, there are fears in the trade union movement that Sir Keir may deprioritise his pledges on workers’ rights.

Speaking exclusively to The Independent, Trades Union Congress (TUC) president Matt Wrack, who is also general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, warned that “words will not be enough” from the new Labour prime minister and rapid action is expected.

The concerns have come through a lack of communication and reports that deputy PM Angela Rayner is already being sidelined in the government. Ms Rayner had been responsible for pushing talks on employment rights while Labour was in opposition, but her new brief as communities secretary does not give her clear control over the issue.

Added to that union leaders were put on alert last week when Sir Keir made a point of telling journalists travelling with him to Washington DC for the Nato conference, that he will not accept pay demands from bosses for their members.

His comments came in the context of the latest talks with junior doctors, with the new Labour government insisting it will not meet their demands for a 35 per cent pay rise.