It's time to end the political ping pong and pass the Employment Rights Bill, writes Katrina Murray MP

It's Time to End the Political Ping Pong and Pass the Employment Rights Bill

By Katrina Murray MP

Amendments proposed by Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords must be rejected. Before entering Parliament, I worked in the NHS and served as a steward for my union, UNISON. That experience shaped how I understand workplace fairness and security.

The day after the Commons last debated the Employment Rights Bill, I received a call from an old colleague — let's call her Sally. Her question captured the very essence of this issue:

“If the Employment Rights Bill had been in place two years ago, would I still have my job?”

The answer — yes — is exactly why these Lords amendments must not succeed. Sally’s story is not rare. She was a nurse whose demanding specialty, combined with chronic health problems, made full-time hours impossible. After negotiating with management, she was offered a reasonable adjustment under disability provisions: a special contract.

Sally joined the nurse bank with a zero-hours agreement that let her work a consistent set of weekly hours while maintaining flexibility. This arrangement served both her and the NHS well. It lasted nine years, based on trust and shared commitment — even without formal job guarantees.

Author’s Summary

Real stories like Sally’s show why Parliament must reject political delay and pass the Employment Rights Bill to protect fair and flexible work opportunities.

LBC — 2025-11-08