“Tonight in Parliament, I voted in support of the Employment Rights Bill, a crucial piece of legislation that reflects our government’s commitment to building a fairer, more secure workplace for everyone. 

“One of the key elements of this bill is the strengthening of protections for employees in insecure work. This includes cracking down on exploitative zero-hour contracts, which have left too many workers in our community facing uncertainty and financial instability. By ensuring that everyone has access to predictable hours and fair contracts, we are moving towards a future where workers can plan their lives with confidence, knowing their rights are protected.

“The bill also addresses sick pay, an issue that has been particularly important in the wake of the pandemic. It extends the right to sick pay to more workers and ensures that it is set at a level that provides real support. For too long, many people have had to choose between going to work while ill or facing financial hardship. This new legislation will help protect workers and promote healthier, safer workplaces for all.

“I know there has been some anxiety, especially among small and medium-sized businesses, about what this bill means for them. I want to reassure local business owners that the bill has been carefully designed to balance the needs of workers with the realities that businesses face. The government has committed to supporting SMEs with the tools and resources they need to implement these changes effectively, and I will continue working closely with local businesses to ensure their concerns are heard and addressed.

“Polling has shown that every constituency in the country has a majority in favour of strengthening workers’ rights including Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland who are 62% in favour. And this bill is a significant step forward in safeguarding those workers’ rights and delivering protections that will make a real difference to people’s lives in Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, as well as across the UK. 

“This bill is not just about protections, it’s also about growth. By creating fairer workplaces, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient economy. As a member of the Labour Growth Group, I’m proud to be part of a government that is pro-worker and pro-business. We believe that protecting workers’ rights and supporting businesses are not mutually exclusive, and that both are essential to driving sustainable growth in the UK.

“Voting for the Employment Rights Bill tonight is part of my commitment to ensuring that the people of Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland have the security, respect, and dignity they deserve in their workplaces. I will continue to push for policies that promote fairness and opportunity for all, and I’m always available to hear your thoughts on these issues.

“Together, we can build a future where every worker has the rights, protections, and opportunities they deserve.”

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch at luke.myer.mp@parliament.uk.

For more information about the Employment Rights Bill visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employment-rights-bill-factsheets