Labour has launched its manifesto for the forthcoming general election, pitching it with the tagline ‘It’s time for real change’. And as part of its intended shake-up, the document includes a raft of proposals covering employment law.
Among the pledges, which would mark a significant bolstering of workers’ rights, is a requirement for large companies to provide employees a 10% stake in their ownership, an extension of statutory maternity pay to cover a 12-month period, and the banning of unpaid internships.
The Labour manifesto calls for a living wage of £10 for all workers aged 16 or over and increased rights for self-employed workers regarding childcare, insurance, and pensions. It also promises to establish a Ministry for Employment Rights with responsibility for overseeing compulsory collective bargaining on minimum employment standards.
Other policies signalled are still to be fleshed out. These include the banning of zero hours contracts, clarifications on worker status, and strengthened rights surrounding unfair dismissal and whistleblowing.
