Corby MP tells Parliament 'for too long the world of work has not paid.'

The new Bill, announced in the King’s Speech, covers major employment issues including zero hours contracts, introducing a right to reasonable notice of shifts and to be offered a contract with guaranteed hours, reflecting hours regularly worked and flexible working requiring employers to justify the refusal of flexible working requests.

“This legislation will give working people a sense of fairness in the world of work.” Lee told Members of Parliament across the House during the Second Reading of the Bill. “Where those people can play their part in building our economy and be treated as they should be in our society—with the security, dignity and respect that a job should bring.”

The MP, who prior to entering Parliament was the Regional Secretary of the Trade Unions Congress (TUC) in the Midlands, also addressed those who oppose the Bill and its potential impact on business.

“I am told by some that businesses don’t want this.” Lee Barron said. “Those people need to look at the poll conducted by the Institute for Public Policy Research along with the TUC, they would see that 60% of employers said that employees should have more security at work.”

He added that the same research showed that 74% of businesses believed that strengthening employment rights would improve workforce retention and 73% said that strengthening employment rights would boost productivity.

A further 61% thought that stronger employment rights would have a positive impact on business profitability and 73% said that they would be prepared to support giving employees protection from unfair dismissal from the first day.

“This new legislation is not being done to anybody. It is being done with them, and we should be proud of that.” he said.

“We pay millions to people who look after our money, but we pay peanuts to those who look after our people.” Lee said at the end of his speech backing local workers across Corby and East Northamptonshire. “That needs to change. That is why I am so pleased to support the improvements to pay and conditions through fair pay agreements.”

The Second Reading of the Bill passed by 386 votes to 105.

The Second Reading of a Bill is a debate on the main principles of the bill, held in the chamber.

A government minister opens the debate by setting out the case for the bill and explaining its provisions. The opposition will respond and then other members are free to discuss it.

Research by the IPPR and TUC found that a 'Clear majority of employers support government’s proposals to strengthen rights for workers.'

The research can be found at www.ippr.org/mediaoffice

It found that three in four employers support the government’s proposals to strengthen employment rights National poll of over 1,000 finds employers believe strengthening workers’ rights would be positive for productivity and profits