Workers’ rights bill becomes frontline as Rayner resignation sparks union–business confrontation

Mace | 7th September 2025 | Lobbying, Policy & Think Tanks, Politics, Trade Associations
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 10: (L-R) Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy smile as they departthe celebrations for Commonwealth Day at Westminster Abbey on March 10, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 10: (L-R) Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy smile as they departthe celebrations for Commonwealth Day at Westminster Abbey on March 10, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Labour’s Employment Rights Bill is under pressure after Angela Rayner’s exit. Unions accuse Starmer of weakening core pledges like fire and rehire and day-one rights.

Labour’s Employment Rights Bill has become the focus of a renewed lobbying battle following the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. Trade unions expressed concern that Rayner’s exit, along with the sacking of employment rights minister Justin Madders, could lead to the watering down of key worker protections. At the TUC conference in Liverpool, union leaders warned the government not to abandon promises to outlaw exploitative fire and rehire practices and to guarantee employment rights from the first day of a job. Several unions accused Labour of backtracking already, citing exemptions in the fire and rehire measures tabled in the House of Lords. Business groups are now stepping up their lobbying efforts. The Federation of Small Businesses and others are urging Labour to accept Lords amendments introducing a six-month qualifying period before new employees can bring unfair dismissal claims. They argue that the original day-one rights plan imposes costs and uncertainty o...

Subscribe to The Mace

Join the member community shaping British politics and stay ahead of what's really happening in the world of politics and public affairs, with expert analysis, breaking news, and insider insights from Westminster and Brussels. The Mace is the leading news source and resource for the government affairs industry, offering required reading and lobby intelligence for professionals.

To see what you are missing out on by not subscribing to The Mace, click here to download our full membership info-pack. This includes having no paywall on op-ed content or profiles/interviews, allowing professional profiles to be read with maximum impact and visibility by government, special advisers, MPs, peers, civil servants, and policy and political decision-makers.



Industry Reacts: The overnight levy and the tourism sector  

Lucy Carrier-Pilkington | September 22, 2026

In the latest addition of the Industry Reacts series, Lucy Carrier-Pilkington approaches leaders in hospitality to see their thoughts on the proposed ‘tourist tax’ 

Jenrick is right to abolish the Tourism Tax to save the Great British staycation

Mace Magazine | September 21, 2026

The government's new 5% tourism tax and overnight levy is the last thing the UK's hospitality sector needs, says William Cash

Industry reacts: Teacher pay rise in England 

Lucy Carrier-Pilkington | September 17, 2026

The government has agreed to fully fund a forthcoming pay increase for teachers in England in a sudden U-turn.

Money Changes Everything 

William Cash | September 16, 2026

The question of money buying influence in politics is centuries old and not going away

“Two of our lemurs are missing”: a study in fake global news and a cautionary tale for the PA industry

Mace Magazine | September 11, 2026

One of the world’s richest men has been accused of ‘harbouring stolen lemurs’: The Mace reveals a cautionary tale in fake news.

Leader in Public Affairs: Ros Morgan, Chief Executive, Heart of London Business Alliance, “Build a strong, proud and open culture where everyone has a voice”

Mace | September 8, 2026

After two decades spent in advocacy on behalf of business, Ros reveals what parts of the industry she believes needs reform.

A “little local difficulty” – Gawain Towler’s Reform Conference Diary

Mace Magazine | September 5, 2026

Seasoned Farage aide-de-camp Gawain Towler reflects on Reform's first ever Business Day at the NEC - and what it's like when a media grenade goes off during the

Tory reshuffle: Kemi shows her ruthless side

Lucy Carrier-Pilkington | September 2, 2026

With a new team behind her, the latest Tory reshuffle has put the party on early election watch as well as showing her ruthless side.

Back to school chaos: first day of term report as Burnham faced the Commons

Emelia Wild | September 1, 2026

Andy Burnham addressed the House of Commons for the first time as Prime Minister as MPs returned to Parliament. How did he do at the dispatch box and

Silly season is coming to an end: What to expect from Westminster this Autumn

Lucy Carrier-Pilkington | August 27, 2026

September and October usually mark the most intense period of political activity in the UK, here is what to expect.