Paul Nowak, head of the Trades Union Congress, is set to accuse the Lib Dems of holding up the Employment Rights Bill in the House of Lords, and breaking their own manifesto pledge
The Lib Dems have been accused of blocking a landmark bill for workers that would see seven million benefit from sick pay.
Paul Nowak, head of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), is set to accuse Sir Ed Davey’s party of holding up Labour’s Employment Rights Bill in the House of Lords, and breaking their own manifesto pledge.
During a speech on Saturday at the Co-operative Party conference, Mr Nowak will hit out at both the Lib Dems and Tories, who have been criticised for “shenanigans” over causing delays to legislation.
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In his speech, Mr Nowak is expected to say: “Lib Dem and Tory Peers are delaying the legislation. Even though millions of people who stand to benefit from these genuinely transformative reforms.
“Including seven million who will get day one sick pay next April. That’s seven million reasons why the Lords should support the Bill.
“Seven million reasons the public won’t forgive Peers who block the government delivering their manifesto promises. And it’s why Lib Dem peers should do the right thing instead of tabling hostile amendments and wasting precious time.
“That way, they will not only fulfill their own manifesto commitments, they’ll also be reflecting the wishes of Lib Dem voters. And Labour voters. And Tory voters, and yes, Reform voters as well. Because stronger rights at work are a vote winner across the political spectrum.”
Once given Royal Assent, the bill will provide new flexible working rights, protection from sexual harassment, an end to fire rehire, a repeal of anti-union legislation and a ban on zero hour contracts.
It also includes new rights for unions to access workplaces, gain recognition and represent workers.
The TUC estimates there are over one million people in the UK on zero-hour contracts, and many more in insecure work. Earlier this year research revealed 4 million people are in insecure work, or 1 in 8 of the workforce. They said insecure work is “pervasive” across the UK and bad for both workers and the economy.
The TUC defines insecure work as those on zero-hours contracts, agency, casual and seasonal workers (but not those on fixed–term contracts) and the low-paid self-employed who miss out on key rights and protections. This soared under the Tories, increasing by 800,000 from 2011 to 2024.
The Liberal Democrats declined to comment.