As the party of working people, Labour is committed to making employment work for everyone. This month marked a significant milestone as the Employment Rights Bill successfully passed through the House of Commons, delivering the most substantial update to workers’ rights in a generation.
This landmark legislation addresses the UK’s outdated employment laws and represents a decisive break from an economy characterised by insecurity, stagnant productivity, and inadequate wages. The bill introduces comprehensive protections, including the elimination of exploitative zero-hours contracts and unfair “fire and rehire” practices.
Day One Rights
The legislation establishes immediate workplace protections from the first day of employment:
- Enhanced statutory sick pay ensuring over one million of our lowest-paid workers receive up to 80% of their wages from day one of illness
- Protection from unfair dismissal
- Entitlement to paternity leave and unpaid parental leave
- Introduction of bereavement leave
- Making flexible working the default option
Strengthened Enforcement
We’re expanding the powers of the Fair Work Agency, enabling it to better support law-abiding employers while taking decisive action against those who deliberately violate employment standards.
These reforms benefit employers as well by improving workforce retention, reducing recruitment costs, and creating a level playing field through consistent enforcement.
A New Approach to Industrial Relations
This legislation signals the end of the previous government’s confrontational approach to industrial relations, which resulted in unprecedented strike disruption. We’re fostering a new partnership of cooperation between trade unions, employers, and the government to enhance collaboration and minimize workplace conflict.
Supporting Those Who Need It Most
Our commitment extends beyond the workplace. The Work and Pensions Secretary recently announced the Pathway to Work package, designed to unlock economic growth as part of our Plan for Change.
The social security system we inherited has failed millions, trapping people in inactivity while denying them the dignity and benefits of meaningful employment. Our comprehensive reforms will provide appropriate support to prevent illness both in and outside of work, reform benefit eligibility assessments, and ensure that disabled people and those with health conditions receive proper employment support, with the same opportunities available to everyone.
Labour is building a fairer system that provides essential support for those who truly need it, ensuring everyone can live with dignity and independence, while supporting those who can work to realise the benefits of employment.
FCDO Update
I am disappointed that violence has resumed in Gaza and South Sudan. Parties in both of these conflicts must make efforts to de-escalate and ensure that peace remains in the region.
On 21 March 2025, the Foreign Secretary made a statement with his counterparts in Germany and France on the conflict in Gaza.
In that statement, the Foreign Secretary called “all parties to re-engage with negotiations to ensure the ceasefire is implemented in full and becomes permanent. This must include Hamas releasing the hostages that they have cruelly detained and persistently refuse to release.”
I also reiterate the Foreign Ministers when they said “Israel should fully respect international law and allow the flow of aid immediately. Civilians should be protected and not be cut off from essential aid or assistance. We call on Israel to restore humanitarian access, including water and electricity, and ensure access to medical care and temporary medical evacuations in accordance with international humanitarian law.”
The only way to peace is through a ceasefire and negotiated peace, with a two-state solution at its heart. You can read the Foreign Secretary’s joint statement here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/joint-statement-from-the-foreign-ministers-of-france-germany-and-the-uk-e3-on-gaza
Devastating Earthquake Strikes Myanmar
On 28 March 2025, central Myanmar was struck by a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake, causing widespread devastation across the region. The powerful tremors, centred near the major city of Mandalay, were felt across neighbouring countries including Thailand, China and Bangladesh.
The scale of destruction has been immense. As of 1 April, the death toll has surpassed 2,700 people, with more than 4,500 injured. The cities of Mandalay and Naypyitaw have suffered extensive damage to buildings, infrastructure and essential services. Thousands of residents now face critical shortages of water and electricity, with many forced to seek refuge in temporary shelters and makeshift camps.
The earthquake’s impact extended beyond Myanmar’s borders, with Thailand also suffering casualties. In Bangkok, a building collapse killed at least 13 people, with search and rescue teams still working to locate missing persons.
I am proud to report that the United Kingdom has taken decisive and principled action in response to this disaster. On 31 March, my colleague Catherine West, Minister for Asia and the Pacific, delivered a comprehensive statement to the House outlining the government’s response plan.
The UK immediately released an initial tranche of emergency funding through trusted local partners on the ground. This was followed by an additional £10 million in humanitarian assistance announced on 29 March, demonstrating our commitment to supporting those affected by this tragedy.
Critically, this aid is being channelled through non-state and non-military organisations, ensuring that UK taxpayer funds do not reach individuals or entities subject to UK and international sanctions. This approach reflects our commitment to both humanitarian principles and responsible international engagement.
Ministerial Update – IfATE Bill
On 31 March, I had the honour of leading the debate on the IfATE Bill at its third reading and report stage.
The bill will create skills in England, enabling the Government to more easily identify and address skills gaps, and provide additional learning opportunities. This will support more people into work, and allow the country to have the green, high-tech economy Britain deserves.
Ministerial Update – Visits
This March, I visited Brighton to make the keynote address at the Family Help Social Work Conference. There, I praised the important contributions that social workers make to our communities and the reforms this government is introducing to improve the lives of the most vulnerable.
I also visited the Social Work department in Harlow and Redbridge to hear from social workers directly and learn about best practices. Whilst there, I heard inspiring stories from frontline workers about the fantastic work they do to support vulnerable children and their families.
Police and Crime Update
This month I met with Inspector Gavin Durnell, following a series of muggings in and around Hither Green Station and the police’s response to this. Inspector Durnell is the Safer Neighbourhood Team lead for Lewisham’s Southern Wards, and I raised with him my disappointment that these crimes had continued for several months without challenge.
The Inspector reported that the incidents had stopped. He also noted that his team had been provided with additional resources to conduct proactive operations in the area, both independently and in cooperation with the British Transport Police at Hither Green Station.
These include additional patrols by his team in the Hither Green ward around the station and a joint ‘Knife Arch Operation’ at the station itself. Inspector Durnell reported that the operation was a success, with 7 arrests and other intelligence on which they could act.
Labour is committed to ensuring our safer streets, and that our streets are safe. The Mayor of London recently released his London Policing plan for 2025-2029, which was created in consultation with more than 4000 Londoners and key stakeholders.
The Plan continues the mayor’s and the government’s tough-on-crime and tough-on-the-causes-of-crime approach, reiterating our shared commitment to neighbourhood policing.
The plan builds on the crime reductions already achieved, with violent crime down, and ONS figures showing London is one of the safest places in England.