Displaying items by tag: Labour

The Government is preparing a significant overhaul of workers' rights, introducing several new measures aimed at improving job security and flexibility for millions of employees. Key changes include the removal of the two-year qualifying period for unfair dismissal protection, enabling workers to receive statutory sick pay (SSSP) from their first day of illness, and giving fathers access to paternity leave from day one of employment. Also, workers will be entitled to unpaid parental and bereavement leave from day one, and employers will be expected to consider flexible working requests immediately. However, the bill has faced criticism for delays and certain measures being watered down. Small business owners have expressed concerns over the potential impact on hiring decisions, probation periods, and the management of zero-hours contracts. Trade unions have welcomed the changes but insist more needs to be done.

Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to welcome Tory MP Natalie Elphicke's defection to Labour has stirred mixed reactions among Labour MPs. Elphicke, previously a Conservative representative for Dover, made the unexpected switch, causing some Labour members to express confusion and dismay, despite leadership viewing it as a significant coup. Critics within the party, including Canterbury MP Rosie Duffield, find Elphicke’s switch puzzling, given her past criticisms of Labour’s policies and her controversial defence of her ex-husband, Charlie Elphicke, following his sexual assault conviction. The defection, happening just before Prime Minister's Questions, has complicated matters for Labour, already has candidates in Elphicke's constituency. (In practice, Mrs Elphicke will not contest the Dover election, as she plans to leave the Commons). Despite the internal discord and criticism from the Conservative side, labelling Elphicke as opportunistic, Sir Keir emphasises the broader strategic advantage of attracting former Conservative voters to Labour. This move, however, remains contentious among both Labour and Conservative members.

Polling stations have opened in England for local elections, with the Conservative Party facing potential heavy losses that might impact Rishi Sunak's leadership. These elections, spanning over 2,600 seats across 107 councils, serve as a significant gauge of the Tories' popularity (or otherwise). Labour leader Keir Starmer, calling them ‘a chance for change after fourteen years of decline’, has highlighted policies which prioritise working people and restore integrity in politics. Previously contested in 2021, these council seats saw the Conservatives at their strongest post-UK Covid vaccine rollout. Current predictions suggest they might lose around 500 seats. There are also contests for ten mayoralties and 37 police and crime commissioner roles, and a parliamentary by-election in Blackpool South following a Tory MP's resignation due to a scandal. Labour hopes to make significant gains, particularly in tightly contested mayoral races in the West Midlands and Tees Valley. The outcome of these elections could trigger a leadership challenge for Sunak if the results are as bad as predicted.