Fresh blow to business leaders as Labour reveals plans to make it easier for unions to strike
BUSINESS leaders were dealt a fresh blow last night as Labour revealed plans to make it easier for union paymasters to strike.
Unions will need to give employers only ten days’ notice for industrial action in a workers’ rights shake-up.
GettyShadow Cabinet Minister Andrew Griffith said proposals drawn up by Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, above, were ‘directed by union paymasters’[/caption]
AlamyLabour’s new bill would see the notice period for industrial action slashed from two weeks to just 10 days – with strike authorised for a year – up from six months now[/caption]
The existing notice period is two weeks. Workers who vote to strike could authorise action for a year — up from six months.
Bosses fear the workplace overhaul will leave them strangled in red tape, costing them £5billion and thwarting plans to expand in a sluggish economy.
Shadow Cabinet Minister Andrew Griffith said proposals drawn up by Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds were “directed by union paymasters”.
Mr Griffith said: “No government serious about growth would be giving this flawed bill the light of day.”
Ministers have tabled about 250 amendments to its Employment Rights Bill, after consultation with business groups and unions.
Under the plans, expected to come into place next autumn, agency workers will be given contracts with a minimum number of shifts.
The time for bringing tribunal claims will be extended from three months to nine.
The Federation of Small Businesses said: “We hope the Government will move from asserting the changes are pro-business to making it a reality.”
The British Beer and Pub Association said: “Mandating that those who want flexible roles have to be offered fixed hours, including agency staff, will mean businesses with seasonal demand won’t always be able to offer them work.”
But Trade Union Congress boss Paul Novak welcomed the end of the agency loophole.
Deputy PM Angela Rayner said the measures were “the biggest upgrade in workers’ rights for a generation” but an assessment says it will cost businesses £5billion.
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