Workers’ Rights Delayed — What They Promised vs. What You’re Getting
When Labour stormed to power promising sweeping workers’ rights reforms, many believed real change was coming fast. Day-one unfair dismissal protection. Flexible working by default. An end to exploitative zero-hours contracts.
But just weeks later, those promises have been pushed back. The government has quietly announced that core reforms will be delayed until 2027, bowing to pressure from business leaders warning of costs and “red tape.”
While some changes — like union recognition and a crackdown on “fire-and-rehire” practices — are still moving forward, the biggest protections for ordinary workers are officially on ice.
What’s Delayed?
- Protection from unfair dismissal on your first day
- Your legal right to request flexible working by default
- A promised ban on abusive zero-hours contracts
Translation: If you start a new job today, you’re still vulnerable to being sacked on a whim. You still rely on your employer’s goodwill for flexibility. And insecure, zero-hours contracts are alive and well.
What’s Still Happening?
- Union recognition threshold lowered — just 2% of workers needed to trigger negotiations
- Creation of a new Fair Work Agency to oversee enforcement
- Stronger protections against exploitative “fire-and-rehire” tactics
- Expanded paternity leave and improved sick pay
Why You Can’t Wait
The delays prove one thing: big business still holds enormous influence. Promised protections are only as strong as the movement demanding them.
Joining UWA gives you:
✔️ Immediate access to legal guidance on your rights
✔️ Support navigating unfair treatment, dismissal, or insecure contracts
✔️ A powerful collective voice to push for faster reform — and defend the wins we’ve secured
Without organised workers, delays become cancellations.
- Don’t wait for politicians to deliver — protect yourself today
- Build strength through unity with the United Workers Alliance
- Be ready when the next reforms land — with the knowledge and support to use them
Join UWA now. Defend your rights. Demand better. http://unitedworkersalliance.co.uk/join-us/