Labour's bill to overhaul workers' rights hailed as 'game changing' for millions

Labour's landmark has been hailed by a major union as a game changer for millions.

Spearheaded by Deputy PM , the published today, sets out plans to ban and boost sick pay provisions.

Among 28 reforms, it promises to end the practice of bad bosses firing and rehiring staff on worse terms while providing parental and bereavement leave from day one. And after years of Tory attacks on unions, the government will repeal anti-strike laws.

But certain measures such as the "right to switch off", which would prevent employers emailing and texting staff outside working hours, were not included. Instead in a document published alongside the Bill made clear the government would consult on other reforms separately.

, who is preparing to mark 100 days in No10 on Saturday, said: "My government is introducing the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation. Turning the page on an economy riven by insecurity, ravaged by dire productivity and blighted by low pay. We will grow our economy across the country and make work pay again."

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The General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) Paul Nowak hailed the introduction of the new legislation as "an historic day". He said: "Everyone deserves a decent, secure job they can build a life on. This positive and ambitious plan to make work pay will raise incomes and boost living standards across Britain.

“Today’s Bill is a crucial first step towards delivering better-quality employment in every part of the UK. Whether it's tackling the scourge of zero-hours contracts and fire and rehire, improving access to sick pay and parental leave or clamping down on exploitative bosses – this Bill signals Labour's commitment to upgrade rights and protections for millions."

Christina McAnea, the General Secretary of Unison union, said: “At last the lives of millions of employees across the UK look set to change for the better. The bill lays the groundwork for a brighter future for everyone at work.

“There'll be improved protection from the first day in a job and more family-friendly roles. Bad bosses won’t be able to exploit at whim using dodgy 'fire and rehire' tactics, and it'll be easier for unions to offer support to all employees."

She added: “The means to create a fair pay agreement to increase wages for care workers in England is game-changing. It's an historic first step towards transforming a sector that's been neglected and ignored for far too long. The result will make a of difference to people who need care and to their families too."

Unite - one of Labour's most powerful union backers - praised the end of "draconian" anti-Tory strike laws and new rights including bereavement leave. But General Secretary Sharon Graham warned: "The Bill still ties itself up in knots trying to avoid what was promised. Failure to end fire a rehire and zero hours contracts once and for all will leave more holes than Swiss cheese that hostile employers will use."

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