As the world of work continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the well-being and prosperity of working people must be a top priority. Fair wages, job security, and strong workplace protections are essential for building a sustainable future in a rapidly changing economic landscape. That’s why, in May, Labour unveiled a key component of their manifesto, Labour’s Plan to Make Work Pay: Delivering A New Deal for Working People. This comprehensive plan outlines a bold vision to improve the lives of working people across the UK by ensuring better pay, more stable jobs, and a workplace that supports workers’ needs.
The party’s proposed legislation, set to be introduced within the first 100 days of a Labour government, aims to deliver not only fairer wages but also better job security and family-friendly working conditions. In doing so, it seeks to boost living standards, increase economic growth, and create a more equitable future for all workers.
So, what exactly is Labour proposing in their ambitious new plan? Here’s a breakdown of some of the key proposals. (For the full details, be sure to check out the PDF document at the end of this article.)
1. Delivering a Genuine Living Wage
The creation of the National Minimum Wage was a landmark achievement by the last Labour government, lifting millions of workers out of poverty and narrowing the gender and age pay gaps. Labour is committed to delivering a genuine living wage, which means ensuring that everyone earns enough to live on, no matter where they work. This is not just about improving pay; it’s about tackling inequality and helping working families thrive.
2. Making Work More Secure
Labour’s plan embraces the opportunities offered by technology but ensures that workers—and the economy—benefit from these advancements. The goal is to offer more stable, secure work by making flexible working the default from day one. This means that all employees, where possible, will have access to flexible hours and opportunities for job sharing or remote work, making it easier to balance family and career.
3. Supporting Working People
To strengthen workers’ rights, Labour proposes updating trade union legislation to reflect modern economic realities. This includes removing unnecessary restrictions on trade union activity, and ensuring that industrial relations are based on good-faith negotiation and collective bargaining—making sure that workers’ voices are heard and respected.
4. Banning Exploitative Zero-Hour Contracts
One of the most controversial and exploitative practices in modern employment is the use of zero-hour contracts. Labour is committed to banning these “one-sided” forms of flexibility and ensuring that all workers have the right to a predictable work schedule. Under the new plan, employees will be guaranteed a contract that reflects the hours they actually work, with a 12-week reference period for calculation.
5. Ending ‘Fire and Rehire’ Practices
The practice of “fire and rehire” leaves workers vulnerable to threats of dismissal and job insecurity. Labour plans to tackle this issue by reforming the law to offer effective remedies and replace the current statutory code—which they believe is inadequate—with a stronger, more enforceable code of practice. This will ensure that workers are treated fairly and with dignity in their employment.
How Can Businesses Get Ahead?
The upcoming changes may seem significant, but they are absolutely necessary—and businesses should start preparing now. These proposals are designed to create a more flexible, fair, and supportive working environment for everyone, and businesses that are ahead of the curve will not only comply with new legislation but also create a positive workplace culture that attracts top talent.
In practical terms, this means businesses should begin implementing flexible working options, considering the impact of a living wage, and ensuring they treat workers fairly by ending exploitative practices such as zero-hour contracts or “fire and rehire” policies. While change can feel daunting, it ultimately leads to a more resilient workforce and a thriving business model.
A Vision for a Stronger Economy
Labour’s Plan to Make Work Pay is a bold vision for a more equitable and prosperous future for all workers in the UK. This plan aims to empower working people, raise living standards, and drive economic growth by focusing on fair wages, job security, and supportive working conditions. With a proven track record of advancing workers’ rights, Labour is committed to partnering with businesses to build a stronger, fairer economy.
If you’re interested in reading the full details of Labour’s plan, you can access the document here: Labour’s Plan to Make Work Pay – Delivering A New Deal for Working People.
Read Labour plan in full via the link below: LABOUR’S PLAN TO MAKE WORK PAY – Delivering A New Deal for Working People