Try GOLD - Free
Starmer Urged to Make 'Populist Case' for Workers' Rights Changes
The Guardian
|September 15, 2025
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.
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.
This story is from the September 15, 2025 edition of The Guardian.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Guardian
The Guardian
Streeting may be winning the PR battle, but not the hearts and minds of those who matter most
There are an array of numbers relating to the NHS that it's safe to assume make Wes Streeting wince.
3 mins
December 17, 2025
The Guardian
Victims of Iran's 2022 crackdown file legal claim against officials
A group of victims of the Iranian government crackdown during the Women, Life, Freedom protests in 2022 have filed the first criminal complaint against 40 named Iranian officials alleging crimes against humanity, including targeted blinding and murder.
2 mins
December 17, 2025
The Guardian
Bondi shooting said to be ‘inspired by IS’ as police look into Philippines trip
The father and son duo allegedly behind the Bondi attack appear to have been inspired by Islamic State, the Australian prime minister said, as police confirmed that they were investigating why the pair travelled to the Philippines last month.
3 mins
December 17, 2025
The Guardian
Parole board ruling rejects Stephen Lawrence killer's claims he has changed
A man convicted of the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence has continued to be a bigot in jail, taking drugs, having mobile phones, a weapon, and also abusing and threatening black and Muslim inmates.
2 mins
December 17, 2025
The Guardian
Tough turkey: Christmas food and treat prices jump by up to 70% in a year
Shoppers are paying up to 70% more for Christmas chocolate treats compared with last year, while the price of a turkey has jumped by as much as £15, according to the consumer champion Which?.
1 mins
December 17, 2025
The Guardian
NHS bosses call for mediation as doctors set to begin strike
► The upcoming industrial action, due to start on Wednesday and last five days, will be the 14th strike by resident doctors in England since 2023
4 mins
December 17, 2025
The Guardian
Couple beat the odds to win £1m on the national lottery ... again
A couple from mid Wales have become £1m national lottery winners for the second time, defying odds of more than 24 trillion-to-one to claim the jackpot again.
1 min
December 17, 2025
The Guardian
Labour has woken up to the threat to democracy - but how far will it go to curb overseas influence?
Russia has been attempting to meddle with western democracy for years, but successive governments led by Boris Johnson and others have insisted the UK’s electoral system can withstand its influence.
2 mins
December 17, 2025
The Guardian
Ukraine-US peace plan may be ready to show to Russia within days, says Zelenskyy
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said proposals negotiated with US officials on a peace deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine could soon be finalised, with US envoys then presenting them to the Kremlin.
3 mins
December 17, 2025
The Guardian
'Senseless loss' Tributes to pair who tried to halt attack
Dramatic footage has emerged of two victims who were killed while trying to stop a gunman during the early stages of the Bondi beach terror attack on Sunday.
1 mins
December 17, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size