Labour has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining its ban on zero-hours jobs and enhancing workers’ rights despite concerns raised by party peer Peter Mandelson about the need for caution in implementing changes advocated by trade unions.
Anneliese Dodds, the Labour chair, emphasized the party’s dedication to the initiative aimed at “making work pay” and increasing people’s income, while also expressing a willingness to engage in ongoing discussions with both business and unions.
Keir Starmer’s proposed new deal for working people seeks to provide employees with additional rights, including protection against unfair dismissal, sick pay, and parental leave from day one. However, business groups are lobbying to dilute these measures.
Lord Mandelson, a former business secretary and current chair of a global consultancy advising businesses, cautioned against rushing through changes that could exceed the boundaries established by New Labour.
Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor, indicated that the party is open to collaborating with businesses to refine and implement these policies, suggesting that further adjustments to the package may be considered.
Dodds stressed the importance of the workers’ rights package for economic growth, while acknowledging the necessity of ongoing dialogue with businesses and unions.
She emphasized the need to boost productivity, increase earnings, and create better conditions for innovation, underscoring Labour’s commitment to being both pro-business and pro-worker.
The CBI, a prominent business lobby group, is urging Labour to soften its proposed laws on worker rights, expressing concerns about the potential impact on productivity and competitiveness.
Mandelson’s recent focus on policy matters, as opposed to his previous advice to Keir Starmer about personal appearance, reflects the ongoing debate within the Labour party about the best approach to achieving its economic and social objectives.
2024-03-24 07:30:53
Link from www.theguardian.com