Starmer Urged to Champion Workers’ Rights Amid Low Public Awareness

Published: 15 September ‘2025. The English Chronicle Desk

Keir Starmer has been urged to make a clear “populist case” for workers’ rights reforms after a major poll revealed that while the proposed changes enjoy widespread public support, awareness of them remains extremely limited.

The employment rights bill is set to return to the House of Commons on Monday, with senior government figures pledging not to dilute key measures, including protections against zero-hours contracts and new workplace rights. The bill was championed by Angela Rayner, who recently resigned as deputy prime minister, raising concerns among union leaders about potential delays or weakening of the reforms. The appointment of Peter Kyle as business secretary has also been watched closely by unions, though Kyle has assured them there will be no backtracking on the legislation. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has similarly affirmed the government’s commitment in a speech to the TUC conference.

In a statement, Starmer welcomed the bill’s return to parliament, describing it as “the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation.” He added, “Our employment rights bill is good for workers, good for businesses, and good for the economy. It is central to our agenda to make people better off and will make a real difference to lives across the country.”

Union leaders are determined to ensure the bill’s integrity as it passes through parliament, particularly in relation to secondary legislation covering essential issues such as compensation for cancelled shifts. Paul Nowak, general secretary of the TUC, will meet MPs to present findings from a new 45,000-voter poll commissioned by the TUC and Hope Not Hate. He emphasised that reforms such as banning zero-hours contracts, ending fire-and-rehire, and introducing day-one protection from unfair dismissal are overwhelmingly popular across political lines and must not be stalled.

The poll revealed that only about a quarter of voters are aware of the proposed reforms. Yet when informed, over 70% supported workers being protected from unfair dismissal from their first day on the job, rather than after two years. Support was particularly strong among 2024 Labour voters who have since switched to Reform, with backing rising to 77%. Low-income female Reform voters aged 35-44 demonstrated the highest level of support at 83%. The measure requiring guaranteed-hours contracts for zero-hours employees after 12 weeks was backed by nearly 80% of the public, climbing to 85% among Labour-to-Reform switchers. Similarly, more than three-quarters of voters support providing sick pay from day one.

Nick Lowles, chief executive of Hope Not Hate, highlighted that the key public concern is economic insecurity rather than immigration, stating, “People are working harder than ever and getting less in return. They want a government willing to challenge vested interests and create a fairer economy. Strengthening workers’ rights can rebuild trust, but only if it is prioritised, not treated as an afterthought.”

Nowak stressed the need for vigilance once the bill passes, urging MPs and activists to ensure robust secondary legislation and resist pressure from business interests. “Ministers must hold their nerve against the inevitable scare stories and ensure the bill delivers the secure jobs millions desperately need,” he said.