Labour’s Angela Rayner makes ‘cast iron commitment’ on workers’ rights to start general election ‘battle’

Angela Rayner declared the battle to win over voters at the next general election is “getting started” as she revealed Labour’s vision to boost workers’ rights.

In a speech at the TUC conference in Liverpool, Labour’s deputy leader gave a “cast iron commitment” to push through a New Deal for Working People in the party’s first 100 days in office, should it win the next election.

The deal would include protections against unfair dismissal, a ban on zero-hour contracts, more flexible working and ending fire and rehire (when an employer fires an employee and offers them a new contract on new, often less-favourable terms).

She also promised to repeal the government’s “vicious” anti-trade union laws, such as its controversial minimum service levels bill.

The speech comes after some unions questioned Labour’s commitment to workers’ rights and accused the party of not being bold enough.

But urging unity among the trade union movement, Ms Rayner said: “The battle for the general election is getting started and it’s not going to be easy. This country can’t survive another five years of Tory rule.

“There is no doubt that Labour has to win but to get this victory we have to come together, stand together and campaign side by side.

“And we need your help to get the word out about the New Deal for Working People.”

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Reaction to Rayner’s vision – politics latest

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