Political monitor uk november 24th edition 328138204372
Published: 13-Oct-25 | By APSCo
Public Policy
Political Monitor UK | November 24th Edition
APSCo News
Register for the FD Forum this Thursday in London to hear from HSBC and others on the likely impact of the Budget.
Of course, as always, members will receive APSCo’s Budget summary immediately into their inboxes on Thursday morning. Check with your Account Manager that your business' contact details are up to date.
We are busy this week, meeting Richard Tice of Reform, following on from a meeting with Conservative Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffin MP earlier in the month.
Today, Tania Bowers heard Kemi Badenoch pledge to repeal all job destroying clauses in the Employment Rights Bill if Conservatives are returned to power. The Lords are holding firm in their opposition to key clauses, so we will continue to pressurise Government.
Last week we attended the Better Hiring launch in Parliament.
Please take five minutes post budget to email bowers@apsco.org with your immediate thoughts on the Budget – we will of course put out a press release – and hearing immediately from our members can really help ensure we are your voice.
On Monday 17 November the House of Lords voted but did not agree with the House of Commons on several key sections of the ERB – as Peers voted in favour of Tory amendments to scrap day-one workers rights, 50% turnout for strike ballots, and stringent protections for flexible workers.
These issues will now return to the House of Commons on 8 December.
The Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade Andrew Griffith has argued that this latest defeat for the Government emphasises how damaging the Bill could be for businesses and the jobs market, and that Labour should stand up to trade unions and compromise on the Bill.
Kemi Badenoch has warnedthat “anti-growth” Bill will deter hiring for short-term festive holiday jobs.
Trade Union leaders have criticised the Lords, with Paul Nowak, general secretary of the TUC, stating that peers’ views on improving the rights of citizens are outdated and belong in another century.
Former employment rights minister, Labour MP Justin Madders criticised these “unelected” peers on their obstructions, which he argued makes them look out of touch, and against the interest of working people in the UK.
The most substantial point of contention remainsunfair dismissal, with the Lords arguing it removes an important ability for employers to assess suitability, competence and conduct before full protection is acquired – their preference being a more balanced six-month qualifying period.
Royal Assent before the Christmas recess (18 December – 5 January) is now becoming increasingly unlikely, with consequent delays to commencement and implementation.
CBI warnsBill risks choking off growth, with eight in ten firms believing that the legislation will make hiring harder and act as a brake on economic growth.
The Government launched four consultations on how measures in the Employment Rights Bill should operate in practice, focusing on protections for pregnant women and new mothers, bereavement leave, and trade union reforms.
The consultations are:
Enhanced dismissal protections for pregnant women and new mothers Proposals to make it unlawful to dismiss pregnant employees, those on maternity leave, and mothers for at least six months after returning to work, except in specific circumstances. Deadline: 11.59 on 15 January 2026
Bereavement leave, including pregnancy loss Introducing a new day-one right to unpaid bereavement leave for employees who experience the loss of a loved one, including pregnancy loss before 24 weeks. Deadline: 11.59 on 15 January 2026
Duty to inform workers of their right to join a union A requirement for employers to provide a written statement to workers at the start of employment and at other times, informing them of their right to join a trade union. Deadline: 11.59 on 18 December 2025
Trade union right of access Establishing a framework for trade unions to access workplaces physically and communicate with workers both in person and digitally. Deadline: 11.59 on 18 December 2025
Further consultations will follow in line with the Implementation Roadmap to ensure continued engagement with stakeholders on the Employment Rights Bill and the wider Plan to Make Work Pay.
Separately, the Government is consulting with employers on extending right to work checks to the ‘gig economy’ to prevent illegal working, which means the requirement to carry out right to work checks will be extended to cover businesses hiring in the ‘gig economy’ and zero-hours workers. Deadline: 11.59pm on 10 December 2025.
The Bill is now progressing through its Report stage in the House of Commons and is enjoying a relatively smooth path through Parliament thus far.
Political Update
Government & Parliament
Employment Data Lab analysis showsthat the Aspiring Professionals Programme significantly improves participants’ chances of entering professional careers and accessing Russell Group universities.
The Government welcomes the Employment Data Lab’s analysis of the Social Mobility Foundation and reaffirms its commitment to supporting social mobility through targeted programmes and partnerships.
Skills England has launched a roadmap empowering local areas to create tailored skills plans that boost productivity and economic growth.
A new Business Growth Service roadshow has begun in the North East to help businesses access streamlined advice and funding through the Business Growth Service.
Wider News
Unions are pressing Chancellor Rachel Reeves to deliver a “living standards Budget” that boosts wages and workers’ rights, while business groups warn against reforms that could raise employer costs and red tape.
New Policy Exchange report argues that University Technical Colleges are vital to tackling the UK’s skills crisis and calls for expanding technical education in mainstream schools.
The TUCwarnsthat the Office for Budget Responsibility’s strict fiscal stance risks choking economic growth and callsfor more investment-led policies.
UK inflation fell to 3.6% in October, strengtheningthe case for the Bank of England to cut interest rates next month to boost sluggish economy set to be hit by higher taxes in budget.
UK unemployment has risen to 5%, signalling growing strain in the job market as vacancies decline and businesses brace for economic pressures.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting condemned the planned strike by resident doctors as “morally reprehensible”, warning it could jeopardise the NHS’s future, while the BMA insisted on its legal right to strike and criticised the government’s failure to improve pay and job offers.
Employers have pledgedthousands of training opportunities for young people in a bid to tackle the West Midlands' high youth unemployment rate, including 16,000 work experience, apprenticeships and training placements.
Half of all UK jobs lost since Labour came into power are among under 25’s as David Blunkett warns Keir Starmer that Britains youth are in danger of becoming ‘lost generation.’
UK job postings rose by 4.8% in October, driven mainly by delivery driver roles, reflecting a modest rebound in hiring amid improving employer confidence.
Employment Trends Survey 2025 finds rising employment costs, poor productivity, and inflexible regulation are eroding business confidence, restricting job creation, and worsening skills gaps, with firms warning that urgent policy changes are needed to enable sustainable growth and workforce opportunities.
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