Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Labour's employment law proposals reassure business leaders

Labour’s proposed reforms target outdated employment laws, including the banning of exploitative zero-hours contracts and ending “fire and rehire” practices.

Labour's employment law proposals reassure business leaders

Labour's strong polling ahead of the 4th July election has initially left British business leaders anxious about potential changes to employment laws.

They had feared that Labour, if elected, would impose stringent regulations on hiring, firing, pay, and conditions, which could stifle growth.


However, after engaging with the centre-left party, several top executives now express a more relaxed stance.

"I've been encouraged by what I've heard, as have my peers," said Alex Baldock, CEO of Currys, a company that employs 14,000 people in Britain. "Of course, it's commendable to seek to protect people, but there needs to be a balance here."

Labour's proposed reforms target outdated employment laws, including the banning of exploitative zero-hours contracts and ending "fire and rehire" practices. They also aim to introduce basic rights such as parental leave, sick pay from day one of employment, and ensuring the national minimum wage is a genuine living wage.

Labour plans to consult extensively with businesses, workers, and civil society before finalising legislation.

"The broad thrust of this is one that is good for Britain's workers and good for Britain's businesses," noted Jonathan Reynolds, Labour's business policy chief.

Despite initial concerns, some business leaders, like Tesco's CEO Ken Murphy and Marks & Spencer's CEO Stuart Machin, have indicated they are not overly worried about the proposed changes. Tesco, with its UK workforce of about 270,000, and Marks & Spencer, employing 40,000 store workers, highlight existing practices that align with Labour's proposed reforms.

However, not all stakeholders are entirely satisfied. Unions, including Unite, one of Britain's largest, expressed disappointment over what they perceive as a softening of worker protections in Labour's manifesto.

"We want Britain's companies to make profits, we want them to employ people," Reynolds emphasised. "And that is what a successful economy requires."

(Reuters)

More For You

single-use vapes-iStock

Analysis by Material Focus estimates that 8.2 million vapes are discarded or littered each week in the UK—equivalent to 13 every second. (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

Shops told to clear single-use vapes before ban starts on June 1

SHOPS across the UK have until 1 June 2025 to sell off remaining stocks of single-use vapes before a nationwide ban comes into force.

The legislation, confirmed last year, follows a government consultation that showed strong support for restricting their sale and supply.

Keep ReadingShow less
Primark-London-Getty

During his 15-year tenure, Marchant expanded Primark’s store network to more than 450 locations across 17 countries in Europe and the United States. (Photo: Reuters)

Primark chief Paul Marchant steps down after misconduct probe

PAUL MARCHANT, the head of fashion retailer Primark, has resigned with immediate effect after admitting to an "error of judgment" in his behaviour towards a woman in a social setting.

Associated British Foods (AB Foods), Primark's parent company, announced his resignation on Monday.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jaguar’s bold gamble: Can it woo young, wealthy drivers with a £123k EV?

Jaguar’s bold gamble: Can it woo young, wealthy drivers with a £123k EV?

JAGUAR’S ambition to seduce younger, richer drivers was on full display in Paris with a presentation of its newest prototype, the Type 00, which promises all-electric luxury... at a steep price.

The low-slung, muscular-looking concept car presented to European reporters last Friday (21) prefigures a production model expected mid-2026 at a base cost of €150,000 (£123,472.8).

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Trump-Getty

Trump has suggested the possibility of a 'great' trade deal that could help the UK mitigate the impact of tariffs he has pledged to introduce. (Photo: Getty Images)

Starmer, Trump talk trade deal progress in 'productive' discussion

KEIR STARMER and Donald Trump spoke on Sunday about ongoing UK-US trade negotiations, with Downing Street describing the talks as "productive."

Since leaving the European Union, the UK has been working to secure a trade agreement with the United States. Successive British governments have pursued a deal, but it has remained elusive.

Keep ReadingShow less
modi-trump-getty
Trump shakes hands with Modi during a joint press conference at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on February 25, 2020. (Photo: Getty Images)

India-US trade talks end with no sign of tariff relief

INDIA and the United States have agreed to move forward on finalising a part of their bilateral trade deal this year, but there was no indication of any tariff relief for India.

Trade discussions took place in New Delhi ahead of the implementation of US president Donald Trump's new trade tariff regime, which includes import levies on India, set to take effect from 2 April.

Keep ReadingShow less