Employment Law Proposals from Labour Leadership Candidates

Jeremy Corbyn MP and Owen Smith MP have set out their pledges for employment law reforms during their campaigns for the Labour Leadership elections which are due to conclude on 24^th September 2016.

On trade union membership, Jeremy Corbyn has made a proposal that companies with over 250 employees should have to recognise a trade union for collective bargaining over pay. Owen Smith has confirmed he would strengthen rights connected to unions by providing compulsory arrangements in workplaces for trade unions where requested by workers. He would also modernise balloting in industrial action by using electronic balloting.

Importantly, both candidates would make zero-hour contracts illegal and would ensure that workers have rights from day one, both proposals being a departure from current law. Interestingly, Owen Smith has confirmed he would impose compensation for cancelled shifts which could potentially protect more vulnerable workers.

Both candidates have confirmed they would reverse the imposition of fees in the Employment Tribunal which is likely to be popular amongst many who consider this to be unjust.

Jeremy Corbyn has pledged to increase the National Living Wage – which was introduced in April 2016 at a rate of £7.20 per hour – to £10 per hour. Owen Smith has confirmed he would strengthen the enforcement of the National Living Wage.

On the issue of equal pay, Owen Smith has suggested the introduction of new legislation to help to close the gender pay gap; Jeremy Corbyn would force businesses with over 21 workers to publish audits in an attempt to take a harsher stance against discrimination in wage practices.

As the campaign continues we may discover more details on the candidates’ plans for employment rights should they be elected.