Minister defends changes to UK workers’ rights against costs backlash

Labour’s radical workers’ rights reforms have simply put the UK on a “level playing field” with other big economies, the employment minister, Kate Dearden, has said. The government’s Employment Rights Act became law last year, with specific provisions being implemented this year and next. Business groups have repeatedly warned that the changes, which include enhanced sick pay and dismissal rights , and union access to workplaces, will impose significant additional costs and could deter …