Unscrupulous bosses could face prosecutions on behalf of their staff under new Labour plans for the “biggest extension of workers’ rights” in British history.
Jeremy Corbyn promised to put “power in the hands of the workers” rather than the “born-to-rule establishment” as he unveiled proposals to boost employment rights, including a £10 minimum wage, a ban on unpaid internships and an end to zero-hours contracts.
In a speech to the TUC in Brighton, the Labour leader announced plans for a secretary of state for employment rights, to ensure the voice of working people will be heard at the cabinet table.
Labour would create a new workers protection agency – sitting under a new Ministry for Employment Rights – which would bring prosecutions on behalf of workers and carry out inspections in workplaces.
Mr Corbyn assured trade unionists that a general election was coming but vowed to prevent Boris Johnson from “dictating the terms” amid fears the prime minister could seek to crash the UK out of the EU without a deal during the campaign.
Mr Corbyn told delegates: “We have witnessed a deliberate, decades-long transfer of power away from working people. The consequences are stark for all workers, whether members of a trade union or not. Pay is lower than it was a decade ago in real terms.
“Labour is on the side of the people in the real battle against the born-to-rule establishment that Johnson represents. We stand for the interests of the many – the overwhelming majority who do the work and pay their taxes – not the few at the top who hoard the wealth and dodge their taxes.”
He argued that too many employers were “getting away with flouting laws”, and pledged to bring in enforcement with “real teeth”.
Mr Corbyn said: “Nearly half a million people are still being paid less than the minimum wage.
“We’ll put a stop to that. We’ll create a workers protection agency with real teeth, including the power to enter workplaces and bring prosecutions on workers’ behalf.
“If you’re a worker with a boss who makes you work extra hours for no pay or forces you into dangerous situations, you deserve a government that’s on your side and ready to step in to support you.”
As Westminster parties scramble to get on an election footing, Mr Corbyn made overtures to the major trade unions, Labour’s major financial backers.
He restated Labour’s commitment to a £10 living wage for workers over 16-years-old, a ban on unpaid internships and an end to zero hours contracts.
Mr Corbyn also announced plans for pay deals for whole sectors of the economy, which have not been allowed for decades.
The Labour leader won applause as he pledged to row back on strict Tory union laws, which prevent members from organising in the workplace and from using electronic balloting.
Unison general secretary, Dave Prentis, hailed the reforms as a “sea change” in the workplace.
He said: “It’s become far too easy for unscrupulous bosses to treat their staff unfairly, safe in the knowledge their bad behaviour will never be challenged in the courts.”Support free-thinking journalism and subscribe to Independent Minds
Mick Whelan, general secretary of the train drivers’ union Aslef, said: “This proposed legislation is long overdue and, by creating a better world of work and safety, will act as a driver for the economy and give strength to building a bright future.”
But Josh Hardie, deputy director-general at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said the proposals could “turn back the clock decades”.
He added: “The vast majority of firms thrive on strong employee engagement, invest in training and prioritise wellbeing.
“They support jobs, sustainable wage rises and enforcement of employment law. A fundamental rewrite of regulation is the last thing the economy needs right now.”
Conservative MP Paul Scully warned the plans could “wreck the economy and let militant union barons hold the country to ransom”.
“These proposals would see a return to wildcat strikes, flying pickets and widespread disruption, with working people paying the price,” he said.
Earlier, influential Unite boss Len McCluskey delivered a fiery speech where he warned Mr Johnson the workers were “coming for you”.
He said: ”We know who you are Boris Johnson. We know your game.
“Your wish to be Churchillian, rather than the Wreck-it Ralph that you are.
“But know this. We will fight you in our hospitals, we will fight you in our factories, we will fight you in our communities.
“Pick your beach prime minister – we’ll never surrender. We are the workers of Britain and we’re coming for you.”
The Independence
