A campaign to defend the Employment Rights Act has attracted more than 23,000 signatures after warnings that proposals to repeal the law could weaken workplace protections for millions of employees.
The petition was launched by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), the UK’s national trade union federation, after Reform UK pledged to introduce a “Great Repeal Bill” that would scrap a series of recent laws including the Employment Rights Act and the Renters’ Rights Act if elected.
Campaign organisers have branded the proposal the “Great Steal”, arguing that it would strip away protections for workers and tenants that unions say were hard won.
More than 23,400 people had signed the petition by Monday morning, with organisers urging parliamentarians to oppose any attempt to repeal employment protections.
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Campaign targets proposed repeal
The campaign argues that removing the legislation could weaken a range of workplace protections, including rights relating to sick pay, bereavement leave and pregnancy protections.
It also warns that changes could make it easier for employers to use controversial “fire and rehire” tactics, where staff are dismissed and offered new contracts on less favourable terms.
Campaign organisers said the proposals could also affect the Equality Act 2010, the law that protects workers from discrimination at work.
TUC digital campaigner Matthew Topham said the early response suggested strong public concern about the proposals.
“Since Reform UK announced their attack on the Employment Rights Act a few weeks ago, nearly 25,000 people have joined the campaign to defend their rights at work,” he said.
“Nigel Farage’s Great Repeal Bill – actually the Great Steal – would remove the Employment Rights Act, Renters Rights Act and net-zero targets. His party also plans to repeal the Equality Act, the law that stops you from being discriminated against at work, if elected.”
He said the “impact on working people could be huge”, and possibly include removing sick pay, bereavement leave and pregnancy protections, legalising fire-and-rehire tactics and weakening measures against discrimination at work.
“More campaigning will inevitably need to follow. But together, we are already sending a message to Reform UK and every party in Westminster,” he said. “Working people are organised and we want parliamentarians to implement the Employment Rights Act in full for generations to come. No ifs, no buts.”
What the repeal proposal could mean for employers
The Employment Rights Act contains a range of workplace protections covering dismissal procedures, statutory rights and employee protections. Unions argue that removing the legislation could weaken existing safeguards.
Campaign organisers claim the proposed repeal would “rig the economy in favour of their corporate backers, shifting power away from ordinary people and towards bad bosses and rogue landlords”.
The petition calls on MPs to oppose the proposed repeal and protect both workers’ rights and renters’ protections.
HR perspective on workplace protections
Employment law changes remain a significant issue for employers, HR teams and policymakers as debates continue over how workplace regulation affects both business flexibility and employee protection.
The Trades Union Congress argues that removing existing legislation would reduce workplace standards and weaken protections for employees.
Supporters of deregulation, however, often argue that simplifying employment laws could reduce regulatory burdens on businesses and encourage hiring.
The petition urging parliament to oppose the proposed repeal had reached 23,405 signatures by Monday morning and is approaching its target of 25,000 supporters.
