WFH from day one? 'Default' right to flexible working as Labour hands power back to unions

Unions voiced glee today after the government handed them more powers and unveiled plans for workers to get rights to work from home from 'day one'.  

Labour has committed to sweeping away zero hours contracts and scrapping restrictions on the chaos that can be caused by strikes.

The New Deal for Workers was being championed by Angela Rayner, but has seemingly been given to Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds.   

The King's Speech included a pledge to ban zero hours arrangements, but after protests from businesses and people who benefit from the terms it has been watered down.

Only 'exploitative' deals will be targeted.

The government is vowing to end so-called 'Fire and Rehire' and 'Fire and Replace' practices. 

Parental leave, sick pay and unfair dismissal protection would also be made available from the first day in a job.

Flexible working is also being made the 'default', but there is a caveat that this is only 'as far as is reasonable' rather than a right.

The Tory government's reforms of union powers, including minimum service standards in areas like rail, will be abolished. 

The process of getting recognition for unions in workplaces will also be 'simplified', although there are few details. 

The King said the Government would 'ban exploitative practices' as part of a new package of workers' rights. 

Under the new Bill, a Fair Work Agency will be established to strengthen enforcement of workers' rights.

There will also be a new fair pay agreement in the adult social care sector to establish national terms and conditions and fair pay rates, as well as a 'genuine' national living wage which removes 'discriminatory' age bands.

The Government said the measures represent the biggest upgrade to workers' rights in a generation and will improve the lives of working people across the country, stressing that ministers will work in partnership with unions and business.

Unions warmly welcomed the Bill, which they believe will transform workers' rights.

A draft Equality Bill was also announced, enshrining in law the full right to equal pay for ethnic minorities and disabled people, making it easier for them to bring unequal pay claims.

Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack said: 'The steadfast commitment to start delivery of the New Deal for Working People within 100 days will significantly improve the lives of workers after 14 years of vicious anti-trade union legislation from the Tories.'

Mick Lynch, general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, said: 'These achievements are down to pressure from the trade union movement and we will continue to articulate what is in the best interests of railway workers and working people as a whole.

'We will also continue to actively engage with the Government on the pay issues in our sectors which can be resolved quickly.'

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: 'This King's Speech begins the process of repairing and rebuilding Britain after 14 years of chaos and decline.

'Whether its boosting workers' rights, launching GB Energy, or bringing our railways back into public ownership, this is a serious statement of intent.

'Working people need – and want – a Government that will deliver meaningful change and be on their side.'