TUC tells Tory and Lib Dem Peers to “stop trying to block” stronger rights for millions of workers

The TUC has told Conservative and Lib Dem Peers to “get out of the way” and “stop trying to block” stronger rights for millions of workers. 

The union body has urged the Government to “stand firm” in the face of attacks on the Employment Rights Bill, with the Bill set for parliamentary ping pong after Peers tried to dilute key workers’ rights in the Lords last week. 

The TUC said the Tories and Lib Dems are voting to keep workers on zero hours contracts and allowing employers six months to sack workers unfairly. 

The Bill will return to the House of Commons in September for MPs to consider the Lords’ amendments. The two houses will continue to vote on amendments in a process known as “ping-pong” until a way forward is agreed. 

The TUC said Conservative and Lib Dem peers are defying their parties’ own voters – and the public at large – by attempting to water down the Bill.  

A recent TUC mega poll revealed support across the country and across the political spectrum – including Conservative voters – over key policies in the Bill. 

According to the polling, every Conservative and Lib Dem seat has overwhelming support for banning zero hours contracts and statutory sick pay from day one.  

Paul Nowack, TUC general secretary, said: “It’s time for Tory and Lib Dem Peers to get out of the way and stop trying to block stronger rights for millions of workers.  

“They are doing the bidding of bad bosses by voting to keep workers on zero hours contracts, allowing bosses to sack workers unfairly and attacking teaching assistants’ pay. 

“The sight of Hereditary Peers voting to block stronger workers’ rights belongs in another century. It’s plain wrong. 

“Banning zero-hours contracts and protecting workers from unfair dismissal are common-sense protections that the vast majority of the people, including Tory and Lib Dem voters, want to see become law. 

“These Peers are not just out of touch, they are actively defying their own voters – and the public at large. The government must stand firm in the face of cynical attacks and deliver the Employment Rights Bill in full.”