Rayner urges MPs not to 'blink or buckle' on employment rights

"Angela Rayner has told MPs "now is not the time to blink or buckle" as she pushed for Labour's flagship Employment Rights Bill to finish its passage through Parliament. The former deputy prime minister was speaking in the Commons on Monday for the first time since the government abandoned its pledge in the bill to give workers protection against unfair dismissal "from day one" of a job, instead setting the bar at six months."

"As a minister, Rayner had championed the bill and said she was "frustrated" by recent delays and compromises, saying the legislation was "pro-business and pro-worker". Conservative shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith said Rayner was "calling the shots". The legislation was announced by Rayner within 100 days of Labour coming to power, upholding a manifesto commitment for "new rights for workers from day one to parental leave, sick pay and protection from unfair dismissal"."

"She had championed the bill as deputy prime minister before she resigned from all her ministerial and party roles after not paying enough tax on a new flat and continues to be a voice of support from the backbenches. The MP for Ashton-under-Lyne acknowledged there had been "a battle to pass this bill", but stressed that "its passage will be a historic achievement for this Labour government". "Now is not the time to blink or buckle," she said."

Angela Rayner urged MPs to finish passage of the Employment Rights Bill, warning "now is not the time to blink or buckle." The bill was amended to set protection against unfair dismissal at six months rather than from day one. Rayner had championed the legislation as a minister, calling it "pro-business and pro-worker," and said she was frustrated by delays and compromises. The bill was announced within 100 days of Labour taking office to deliver new worker rights, but its progress was held up in the Lords and prompted anger among Labour MPs. Business Secretary Peter Kyle announced the U-turn to six months to help secure passage.

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