Starmer Urged to Make 'Populist Case' for Workers' Rights Changes

Keir Starmer must make the "populist case" for workers' rights reforms, unions have said, after a mega-poll suggested the reforms were the most popular of almost any policy but have extremely limited public recognition.

- Jessica Elgot

The employment rights bill will return to the Commons today with a pledge by senior government figures not to water down reforms to zero-hours contracts or new rights at work.

The bill had been championed by Angela Rayner, who has now resigned as deputy prime minister. Senior union figures were deeply concerned at the departure of Rayner and the business minister, Justin Madders, in the reshuffle - and concerned by the appointment of Peter Kyle as business secretary.

In calls with union leaders Kyle has promised there will be no backsliding on the legislation. The education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, also promised it would be delivered, in a speech to the TUC conference.