Labour’s workers’ rights expansion has overwhelming public backing, despite criticism from the Conservative Party and Reform UK, according to a major new poll.
Trade unions and Labour MPs argue that the government has an “indisputable mandate” to push forward with the reforms, which include banning zero-hours contracts and introducing day-one sick pay.
A survey of 21,000 people, including deep dives into Reform constituencies, revealed that a majority of Reform voters support Labour’s proposed protections for workers.
The Trades Union Congress (TUC), which commissioned the poll, stated that Reform UK is “defying its own voters and constituents” by opposing the employment rights bill.
The legislation, which also expands parental leave and flexible working rights, has been described as one of the government’s most popular policies. The findings challenge Reform’s stance, as well as Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s argument that the measures place an excessive burden on businesses.
Despite its popularity, some Labour MPs and cabinet ministers have expressed frustration that Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have not been vocal in defending the policy. There are concerns that Labour’s leadership fears alienating businesses or provoking further criticism from right-wing media.
Anneliese Midgley, Labour MP for Knowsley, urged the party to be more assertive.
“We shouldn’t be shy in talking about improving employment rights – it is one of our best weapons in the fight against the populist right. Reform are all talk; they have no plan for working people. It’s this Labour government that is delivering – and we need to shout about it.”
Anneliese Midgley
The Labour Growth Group, a caucus of over 70 pro-business MPs, also supports the reforms. Mark Ferguson, vice-chair of the group and MP for Gateshead Central, emphasized the economic benefits of the policy.
“It’s clear too that they will have a major positive impact for the economy and living standards in every community across the country. This is a package that will lead to better productivity and growth.”
Mark Ferguson
A source from the Labour Growth Group added that business leaders have welcomed efforts to improve workplace stability. “Businesses are speaking really frankly with us about sorting out all kinds of absolutely mad stuff in the system that has been holding back innovation and productivity for years.”
Strong Public Support Labour’s Workers’ Rights Across Political Lines
The TUC poll found that 72% of UK voters support banning zero-hours contracts, including two-thirds of Reform and Tory voters from the 2024 general election. Among current Conservative and Reform supporters, that figure is even higher, with just 15% opposed to the policy.
Statutory sick pay from day one also enjoys broad backing, with 75% of voters supporting it, including 66% of Reform voters. More than two-thirds of respondents also favor stronger protections against unfair dismissal and expanded flexible working rights.
Despite this, Nigel Farage has dismissed the government’s flexible working policies, calling them “a complete load of cobblers”. He has insisted that “if you want to do well in life and succeed, believe me, you’ve got to work hard”.
The poll, using a multilevel regression with post-stratification (MRP) model, analyzed support at the constituency level. It found that every single constituency in the UK showed a majority in favor of the key policies.
In Farage’s Clacton seat, 70% support banning zero-hours contracts and day-one sick pay. Similar levels of support exist in other Reform-held constituencies, including Lee Anderson’s Ashfield, Richard Tice’s Boston and Skegness, and Rupert Lowe’s Great Yarmouth.
The TUC’s study, conducted in collaboration with Hope Not Hate, also found that in five Labour-held seats expected to swing to Reform, over 70% of voters support these employment rights. The trend extends into Conservative strongholds, including Badenoch’s constituency, where 70% back both key measures.
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak criticized Reform’s opposition to the bill, stating, “Reform is defying its own voters and constituents on workers’ rights.”
Reform MPs voted against the employment rights bill at every stage. Nigel Farage and Reform aren’t on the side of working people – they’re on the side of bad bosses, zero-hours contracts, and fire and rehire.”
The employment rights bill is set to return to the House of Commons for its final vote in late February. Nowak warned against any further dilution of the measures due to pressure from businesses or right-wing politicians.
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