Starmer's reshuffle and march of Reform dominate discussions at TUC conference

"For union delegates gathering in Brighton, sunshine glimmered on the Channel outside the annual TUC conference but the focus for many inside was on stormy developments elsewhere. After a tough first year in power for Labour, two big spectres dominated the meeting: disappointment with Keir Starmer's government, and the march of Nigel Farage's Reform UK."

"Meanwhile, Labour was entering a potentially fractious deputy leadership battle of the kind Starmer promised was only really a feature of the last Tory government. Businesses reckon Angela Rayner's resignation and the sacking of Justin Madders, the junior minister responsible for the workers' rights legislation both politicians have close links to the union movement could remove obstacles, while Peter Kyle, the new business secretary, had a warm relationship with tech bosses in his old job."

"For union leaders, however, Labour watering down its workers' rights bill, after a string of measures in Starmer's first year hitting the poorest in society not least cuts to winter fuel and proposed disability benefit cuts would be a red line. Sharon Graham, the Unite general secretary, said: I do not understand how a Labour government has been attacking some of poorest in our society pensioners, the disabled whilst leaving the super-rich totally untouched. What the hell are Labour doing?"

Delegates at the Brighton TUC conference faced anxiety over Labour's first year in power and the advance of Reform UK. A wide cabinet reshuffle fuelled union concerns that workers' rights reforms could be softened in a pro-growth reset. Business leaders see openings because of weak growth, rising inflation, and employment taxes that have chilled the jobs market ahead of further fiscal moves. Strikes disrupted transport during the gathering. Internal Labour contests and ministerial changes have shifted relations with unions and business. Union leaders warn that watering down the workers' rights bill would be a red line.

Read at www.theguardian.com