Peers urged to 'stand firm' in opposing cruel Tory 'sacking nurses bill'

07 June 2023 , 23:01

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Workers could be sacked if they refuse to cross the picket line (Image: Humphrey Nemar/ daily mirror)

Peers have been urged to "stand firm" and oppose the Government's cruel "sacking nurses bill" today.

The House of Lords will debate the controversial Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill which critics believe would see one in five workers lose the right to strike.

Members of the Lords previously said workers in key sectors such as health, education, fire and border security shouldn't be sacked if they defy the new rules.

But Tory MPs in the Commons rejected this, meaning an estimated 5.5 million could be forced to work and sacked if they refuse to cross picket lines.

TUC chief Paul Nowak said: “Last month, peers overwhelmingly rejected the government’s brazen attack on the right to strike.

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Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner has branded it a 'sacking nurses bill' (PA)

"They must stand firm today – and oppose the Conservative government’s pernicious plans once more. No one should be sacked for trying to win a better deal at work."

He has called for the bill to be scrapped altogether.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has warned that the bill could see unfair dismissal protection lost for striking workers.

In fraught exchanges in the Commons, Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner accused ministers of "going from clapping workers to sacking workers".

She said: "The Tories’ Sacking Nurses Bill is insulting and irrational. It will do nothing to prevent strikes or resolve disputes."

The Government has claimed that the new laws are needed to ensure sufficient coverage in key sectors during strikes.

But NHS Providers has warned it "risks damaging relationships in the NHS between trust leaders and their staff".

The House of Lords Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform Committee has criticised the bill for giving blanket powers to ministers.

Mr Nowak said: “Rishi Sunak’s answer to the cost-of-living crisis is making it harder for workers to win a pay rise.

“It's time to ditch this spiteful Bill for good and protect the right to strike.”

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Dave Burke