Great Britain: unions denounce the absence of the Employment Bill in UK parliamentary opening Queen’s speech

Promised since December 2019 (c.f. article No. 11565), legislation strengthening employees’ rights was not mentioned in the State Opening of Parliament Queen’s speech on 10 May which details the legislature’s upcoming reforms. Delivered by Prince Charles, at the request of Queen Elizabeth II, who was indisposed, the speech was widely condemned by unions and experts. “Today, bad bosses up and down the country will be celebrating. By shelving the employment bill, ministers have sent a signal that they are happy for rogue employers to ride roughshod over workers’ rights,” criticised TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady. Ben Willmott head of policy at the CIPD (the professional body for HR and People Development) also maintained that “The decision to delay the employment bill once again leaves the government with very little time to meet its promises to protect and enhance workers’ rights.” The aim of the Employment Bill had been to make flexible working the default rule, except if companies had justifiable grounds not to, and it was also meant to strengthen protection for pregnant employees. During the speech, the Crown also unveiled the Harbours (Seafarers’ Remuneration) Bill, which will require all ferry companies passing through British ports to pay the minimum wage to their crews. This law comes in the wake of the P&O scandal in which 800 people were made redundant (c.f. article No.12984 and article No.13028).