Survey indicates support for bill on new rights for workers

A survey asking the general public what it thinks about a bill that would expand the rights of workers has found there is widespread support for the proposed new measures.

This survey spoke to 21,000 residents of the UK, making it the largest conducted on the matter. Those who took part in the study included voters living in regions where there is strong support for opposition parties such as the Reform Party, which has expressed scepticism towards the bill. This has led Labour Party MPs and trade unions to call on the Government to defend the bill strongly.

Among the steps being proposed in the Employment Rights Bill are the complete banning of zero-hours contracts, as well as new flexible working and parental leave rights. All of these aspects were met with a favourable response in the survey carried out by the Trades Union Congress (TUC).

If the bill becomes law, it will require major adjustments for many businesses in the UK when it comes to their employees. Some companies may require HR transformation services if they wish to implement company-wide cultural changes.

According to the results of the survey, 72% of respondents support a zero-hours contract ban, compared with 15% that oppose it. 75% are in favour of sickness pay being a statutory right, while 14% oppose that idea. Finally, 73% think that employees should be protected against unfair dismissal from their first day, with 14% of those who were surveyed opposing this measure.

Each of the measures proposed by the bill was found to enjoy majority support among voters from all main UK parties.