Labour given workers rights warning as shop worker says racist abuse left her 'terrified'

Union leaders have urged Labour not to retreat on workers rights' plans championed by Angela Rayner after her bombshell resignation.

The Employment Rights Bill - which is making its way through Parliament - offers beefed up protections for workers on issues from unfair dismissal, fire and rehire and exploitative zero hours contracts.

But Ms Rayner's departure from Government, and the sacking of minister Justin Madders, regarded as one of the architects of the plans, have sparked concern among some unions.

Labour's affiliated unions are expected to meet this week as they press for the Government to hold firm on the plans.

In a speech today, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak will urge Keir Starmer to "show working class communities whose side you are on".

He will say: "Stronger rights at work are overwhelmingly popular with voters across the political spectrum. The public knows decent work is the best way to deliver the reset this country needs.

“The best way to improve living standards. And the best way to rebuild our communities hit hard by low pay and insecure work."

Mr Nowak will add: “So here is our challenge to government - deliver that employment rights bill in full and deliver the change you promised at the election.”

Finnola Tzagkaraki, who has worked in a supermarket for 11 years, said she had been left terrified after confronting a shoplifter who hurled racist abuse at her.

Finnola, from London, said: "That moment broke me. I couldn't even stand, I was absolutely terrified. No one should be made to feel like this just for doing their job.

"But sadly stories like mine are far too common, especially in retail, hospitality and other public facing jobs. Abuse from shoplifters, drunks and organised gangs, and we are expected to just carry on."

She said the reforms would offer proper protections from harassment and violence, as well as offering sick pay from day one.

Finnola said: "I'm a single mum for two children and I can't afford to stay home and recover. No one should have to choose between their health and putting food on the table."

Yesterday, Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham warned workers will feel "duped" if the law is scaled back. She accused ministers of weakening the ban on fire and rehire in July to allow councils to sack and rehire staff on worse pay and conditions if they are in financial distress.

She told the Mirror: "For me, that was a stake in the ground moment. If that's the case, then we have not got a ban on fire and rehire.

"TULO (Labour-affiliated) unions are meeting this week because we need to look seriously at whether or not this is now a paper tiger."

She added: "Unions being part of society and being able to bargain for workers puts money in their pockets. They don't go to the Cayman Islands. They spend it in their locality. That is good for growth."

Yesterday, Defence Secretary John Healey vowed the Government would deliver on its promise to overhaul workers' rights.

He told Sky News: "I'm really confident that we'll deliver what we promised in the manifesto, the biggest upgrade of workers' rights for a generation. The Bill's been set out."