Reform UK repeal plan sparks fierce backlash over rights

Published: 25 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Reform UK has ignited fierce political debate after unveiling plans for a sweeping Reform UK repeal of key Labour-era protections. In a speech that set the tone for the party’s economic strategy, senior figures confirmed they would scrap flagship laws covering workers’ rights and tenant safeguards. The proposed Reform UK repeal has already drawn anger from trade unions, housing charities and environmental groups, who warn it would reverse hard-won protections for millions across Britain.

The announcement came from Richard Tice, recently appointed to oversee business, trade and energy under party leader Nigel Farage. Addressing supporters in Birmingham, Tice pledged what he described as a “great repeal act” to remove regulations he believes are stifling growth. He argued that excessive rules were harming businesses, discouraging landlords and undermining job creation.

Central to the proposed Reform UK repeal is the scrapping of the Employment Rights Act, passed under Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The legislation introduced enhanced rights to sick pay, strengthened parental leave provisions and greater security for those on zero-hours contracts. It also included guaranteed hours for some workers and compensation for cancelled shifts at short notice. Most controversially for employers, it curtailed the practice known as fire-and-rehire.

Tice claimed the law was discouraging businesses from hiring younger staff. He linked rising youth unemployment to what he described as rigid employment standards. According to his remarks, firms facing uncertainty were reluctant to commit to permanent contracts. Critics, however, argue there is little evidence directly tying youth job losses to the new act.

The Reform UK repeal would also abolish the Renters’ Rights Act, another high-profile measure introduced by Labour. That law removed so-called “no fault” evictions, limiting landlords’ ability to terminate tenancies without reason. It replaced fixed-term contracts with open-ended agreements and introduced tougher obligations regarding property safety and health hazards.

Tice insisted the housing market had reacted negatively to the changes. He argued that many landlords had withdrawn properties due to perceived legal risk. According to his assessment, reduced supply had driven rents higher in several regions. Supporters of the law dispute that narrative, pointing instead to long-term supply shortages and wider market pressures.

Housing campaigners responded swiftly to the proposed Reform UK repeal. Shelter warned that dismantling tenant protections would expose vulnerable families to instability. The charity’s leadership said the existing system had left renters at the mercy of arbitrary evictions for decades. Removing safeguards, they cautioned, could increase homelessness and deepen insecurity for low-income households.

The Renters’ Reform Coalition described the proposal as a serious setback for millions of tenants. Its representatives argued that open-ended tenancies provided stability essential for families and children. They stressed that predictable housing conditions support community cohesion and employment continuity.

Trade unions also voiced alarm over the Reform UK repeal agenda. Unison, one of the country’s largest public service unions, accused Reform MPs of consistently opposing workplace fairness measures. Union leaders maintained that stronger employment standards improve productivity and morale. They said scrapping the legislation would weaken protections many workers had only recently secured.

Tice framed the initiative as part of a broader drive to revive British industry. He criticised what he called “daft” environmental and labour regulations. He pledged to end legally binding net zero targets, arguing they imposed heavy costs on businesses. Environmental organisations swiftly condemned that position, warning of long-term economic and climate consequences.

Energy policy formed a significant part of the Birmingham speech. Tice proposed renewed oil drilling in the North Sea and a revival of shale gas extraction through fracking. He presented domestic energy production as a patriotic imperative, linking local resources to regional job creation. His remarks echoed themes often associated with former US president Donald Trump, particularly the emphasis on tariffs and protectionist measures.

Tice suggested the UK should consider quotas and targeted tariffs on certain Chinese imports. He argued that domestic manufacturing required shielding from unfair competition. Critics countered that trade barriers risk higher consumer prices and diplomatic tensions. Economists note that complex supply chains limit the effectiveness of blunt tariff policies.

Environmental campaigners warned that expanded fossil fuel extraction could undermine climate commitments. Friends of the Earth urged policymakers to prioritise renewable energy and home insulation programmes. They argued that investment in clean power offers more sustainable energy security. Such measures, they say, create jobs without increasing carbon emissions.

The Reform UK repeal proposal arrives during a delicate economic period. Britain continues to navigate sluggish growth and persistent inflationary pressures. Businesses face higher borrowing costs and global uncertainty. Against that backdrop, debates over regulation and competitiveness have intensified.

Political analysts suggest the announcement is designed to sharpen ideological divides before the next general election. Reform UK has sought to position itself as a champion of deregulation and national sovereignty. By targeting Labour’s flagship reforms, the party signals a clear alternative economic philosophy. Whether that approach resonates with voters remains uncertain.

Public opinion on workers’ rights appears broadly supportive of stronger protections. Recent surveys indicate widespread backing for guaranteed sick pay and secure contracts. Tenant rights have also gained prominence amid rising rental costs. Any Reform UK repeal would therefore face significant parliamentary and public scrutiny.

Labour figures defended their legislative record in response to the speech. They argued that fair employment standards create stability and consumer confidence. Ministers also pointed to early data suggesting the rental market is adapting gradually. They insist reforms were necessary to correct long-standing imbalances.

Business groups remain divided over the proposals. Some small firms have expressed frustration with administrative burdens linked to employment law. Larger corporations, however, often favour regulatory stability and predictability. Sudden reversals, they warn, can create uncertainty affecting investment decisions.

The broader question concerns how Britain balances flexibility with fairness. Proponents of deregulation believe reduced red tape stimulates entrepreneurship. Opponents caution that weakening safeguards risks widening inequality. The outcome of this debate will shape the country’s economic and social landscape.

As Parliament prepares for further debate, the Reform UK repeal plan has already achieved one objective. It has placed the party firmly at the centre of national conversation. Supporters view the proposal as bold and necessary. Critics see it as a rollback of essential protections.

For millions of workers and renters, the stakes are tangible and immediate. Employment contracts determine financial stability and family wellbeing. Housing security affects education, health and community ties. Any legislative reversal would carry profound consequences.

The coming months are likely to see intensified campaigning on both sides. Advocacy groups will marshal data and personal stories to defend existing laws. Reform UK will continue arguing that regulatory relief can unlock growth. The direction voters choose may redefine Britain’s approach to work and housing.

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