Speeches

Angela Rayner – 2021 Comments on Flexible Work

The comments made by Angela Rayner, the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, on 22 September 2021.

This is another broken manifesto promise from the Conservatives who promised to make flexible working the default. Once again the Conservatives have sold out working people.

Labour will give workers the right to flexible working – not just the right to request it. Labour will make flexible working a force for good so that everyone is able to enjoy the benefits of flexible working, from a better work-life balance to less time commuting and more time with their family.

Tory employment law leaves workers waiting up to two years to access some basic rights, including protection against some types of unfair dismissal. Labour will end this arbitrary system and scrap qualifying time for basic rights, such as unfair dismissal, sick pay, and parental leave.

The ‘new normal’ after this pandemic must mean a new deal for all working people based on flexibility, security and strengthened rights at work.