The New Statesman: politics and culture Inside the making of the Employment Rights Bill | Politics with Anoosh Chakelian
Aug 27, 2025
Mike Clancy, General Secretary of Prospect, discusses the recently introduced Employment Rights Bill, aiming to enhance workers’ protections in the UK. He delves into its ban on harmful practices like 'fire and rehire' and the abolition of exploitative zero-hours contracts. Clancy emphasizes the complex balance between ensuring flexibility for workers and maintaining clear rights. He also addresses the vital role of trade unions in this dialogue, particularly in light of Brexit's impact on workforce needs and the economy.
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Largest Shift In Employment Law Since 2010s
- Mike Clancy says this bill is the biggest employment-law change in 14–15 years and reverses a long period of deregulation.
- He warns the previous era reduced worker voice and increased exploitation across sectors including tech and gig work.
Tech Takeovers Mirror Gig-Worker Exploitation
- Clancy cites Elon Musk's Twitter takeover and P&O as examples of commodifying technical staff and mass dismissal.
- He uses these to show how exploitation has spread beyond traditional gig workers into skilled occupations.
Draft Laws To Target Abuse, Not Negotiation
- Clancy urges precise drafting so the law stops abusive 'fire and rehire' but preserves sensible negotiated change.
- He advises government to focus on the core bad behaviour while allowing consensual workplace negotiation.