Will a change of Labour leader open up the space to “finish the job” on labour rights?

Will the imminent change of leadership of the Labour Party open up the space to “Finish the Job” on labour rights?

The resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer has opened up the debate on the Employment Rights Act (ERA) and whether there is a renewed opprtunity for gaps in the ERA to be adressed. On Tuesday, the Campaign for Trade Union Freedom (CTUF) will convene in Parliament to ask these questions:

“The Campaign for Trade Union Freedom, working with the Trade Union Co-ordinating Group has organised a meeting in Parliament to discuss the opportunities of introducing an Employment Rights #2 Bill during this Parliament.

A second Bill would aim to legislate for those areas outlined in New Deal for Working People but didn’t make it into the 2025 Act:

• repeal of the anti-union laws
• statutory support for sector wide collective bargaining
• a right to strike, including solidarity action
• a single status of worker.

The meeting is on Tuesday 30 June at 2:00 pm in a Committee Room to be announced. The meeting is convened by John McDonnell MP, speakers are:

• Lord John Hendy KC
• Sarah Woolley – General Secretary, Bakers’ Food & Allied Workers’ Union
• Steve Gillan – General Secretary, Prison Officers’ Association
• Andy McDonald MP”