'Workers' rights crucial to well-run workplace'

THE furious opposition of employers to Labour's new workers' rights reforms takes me back to 1998.

- Charlotte Atkins - Labour councillor for Leek North, Cabinet Member for Services at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

Then the business community and the Conservative Party fought tooth and nail against the introduction of the National Minimum Wage.

They claimed its introduction would create increased labour costs and widespread job losses.

That did not happen. Instead the National Minimum Wage provides a safety net for low-paid workers who previously had no legal challenge against exploitative pay.

Now the National Minimum Wage has become a valued part of working life.

Labour's Employment Rights Bill 2025 came back into the House of Commons last week.

Most of it focuses on the terms and conditions for individual employees and the obligations that employers will have to follow.

In the 21st century, shouldn't we expect workforces to be well-paid and treated fairly? That is good not only for workers but also for business.

Skilled, motivated and stable workforces are vital for success.

They will help make businesses more innovative and more productive.

By contrast to UK employers, IKEA has welcomed the new legislation.