By Iain Birrell Member Trade Union Law Group &
William Webb, Lawyer Trade Union Law Group
New polling has revealed overwhelming public support for the government’s Employment Rights Bill, with voters across all political parties backing stronger worker protections. The research, conducted by the TUC and Hope Not Hate, found that key policies such as banning zero-hours contracts, improving sick pay, and strengthening unfair dismissal protections enjoy broad approval—even among Conservative and Reform voters.
The findings come amid criticism of the Bill from some Conservative and Reform politicians, as well as elements of the business lobby. However, the poll decisively shows that these opponents are out of step with the views of the British public.
Public Support for Stronger Workers’ Rights
The poll, which surveyed over 21,000 people, found:
- Banning zero-hours contracts – 72% of voters support giving workers a contract reflecting their regular hours, including 65% of Reform and 63% of Conservative voters from the 2024 election.
- Statutory sick pay from day one – 74% of voters back the right to sick pay from the first day of illness, including 64% of Reform and 62% of Conservative voters.
- Protection from unfair dismissal from day one – 73% of voters support stronger job security, with 62% of both Reform and Conservative voters backing the policy.
- Flexible working rights – 74% of voters want it to be easier to work flexibly, including 63% of Reform and 64% of Conservative voters.
The poll also revealed that support for these measures remains strong in every single constituency, demonstrating that voters nationwide back the Bill’s key protections.
Reform MPs Vote Against Their Own Voters’ Interests
One of the most striking findings is the level of support for workers’ rights among Reform Party voters. Even in seats held by Reform MPs—including that of party leader Nigel Farage—there is significant backing for banning zero-hours contracts and introducing sick pay from day one.
However, despite this strong support from their constituents, Reform MPs have voted against the Bill at every stage, raising questions about whether the party is truly on the side of working people. Nigel Farage and his MPs are siding with bad bosses, not workers, the TUC said.
A Rare Policy That Unites Voters
The polling shows that Labour, Conservative, Green, and Liberal Democrat voters all overwhelmingly back the Bill’s key policies, making it one of the few employment reforms with true cross-party support.
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said the findings demonstrate the urgent need for action:
“After years of a low-rights, low-pay economy, voters want to see real change. The government must ignore the noise from business lobbyists and backbench critics and deliver the Employment Rights Bill in full. Improving job quality and putting more money into people’s pockets isn’t just good for workers—it’s essential for economic growth.”
Time for Change
The Bill, introduced to Parliament in October 2024, is expected to become law in 2026. It will bring significant changes, including:
- Banning exploitative zero-hours contracts by ensuring workers get contracts that reflect their actual working hours.
- Ending fire-and-rehire practices that allow employers to sack staff and rehire them on worse terms.
- Strengthening unfair dismissal protections so all workers are protected from day one.
- Introducing sick pay from the first day of illness for all workers.
With such clear public backing, the government has a historic opportunity to strengthen workers’ rights. The message from voters is clear: it’s time to make work pay.
