Why the Employment Rights Act Matters for Working People in Stockport
When I was elected to represent the people of Stockport, as a trade union member and longstanding advocate for working people, I made a commitment to fight in Westminster for fairer rights at work. That is why I am proud to support Labour's Employment Rights Act, which has already begun to make a real difference for workers across our community.
The first measures came into force in April, marking one of the biggest improvements to workers' rights in a generation. For many people, these changes are not just about employment law—they are about greater security, dignity and peace of mind.
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of day one statutory sick pay. Previously, many workers had to wait until the fourth day of illness before becoming eligible for statutory sick pay. Now, workers can claim it from the very first day they are off sick. At a time when so many families are balancing household budgets, nobody should have to choose between protecting their health and paying their bills.
It is no surprise that new polling from the TUC and HOPE not Hate shows that 78% of people in Stockport support this change. That reflects what I hear when I speak to residents across our constituency. People want the security of knowing that if they become ill, they will not immediately lose income simply because they are doing the responsible thing by staying at home.
The Employment Rights Act goes much further than sick pay. It strengthens collective bargaining rights for adult social care workers, helping them negotiate for better pay and conditions. It also introduces more family-friendly rights, including day one entitlement to paternity leave and unpaid parental leave. These are practical changes that recognise the realities of modern working life and support families when they need it most.
Even more improvements are still to come, including guaranteed hours contracts designed to give workers greater certainty over their income and working patterns. These reforms will help tackle insecure work and provide people with the stability they deserve.
I was proud to campaign on Labour's New Deal for Working People and to vote for the Employment Rights Act in Parliament. I believe these reforms represent a significant step towards creating a fairer economy where work provides security as well as opportunity.
Not everyone agreed. The Conservatives and Reform UK opposed the Employment Rights Act throughout its passage in Parliament. The Liberal Democrats supported amendments in the House of Lords that critics argued would weaken the new right to guaranteed hours contracts by introducing an opt-out mechanism. Reform UK has also pledged to repeal the Employment Rights Act entirely through what it has called a "Great Repeal Bill", while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has said her party would repeal many of its measures if elected.
These differences matter because they represent fundamentally different approaches to workers' rights. I believe working people deserve stronger protections, greater security and fair treatment at work. That is exactly what the Employment Rights Act is beginning to deliver.
For me, politics is about improving people's everyday lives. Whether it is ensuring someone can stay home when they are ill without worrying about losing pay, giving parents more support, or tackling insecure work, these reforms are about putting working people first. I am proud to support them and will continue working to ensure the people of Stockport benefit from every stage of their implementation.
Whether it is fighting for safer workplaces and stronger rights or campaigning for fair pay, you are stronger in a union. Visit the TUC Union Finder for more information - https://www.tuc.org.uk/join-a-union
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Labour Unions New Deal Explainer - https://shorturl.at/D66iB