Responding to the launch of consultations today on key aspects of the Government’s Employment Rights Bill, including maternity rights, bereavement leave and trade union organising, Matt Wrack, General Secretary of NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union, said:

“We welcome this further step forward by the Government in moving towards delivering on its promise to boost workers’ rights and create the conditions where all workers are treated with respect and dignity at work.

“This Government has made much of the need for enhanced economic growth and that agenda depends on having a secure employment rights framework that protects all workers from discrimination and where the workforce has a stronger voice at work.

“New and improved rights for parental and bereavement leave, flexible working and new measures to tackle workplace discrimination have been long overdue and in education are vital to tackling the teacher recruitment and retention crisis.

“However, legislation alone is not enough to create the culture change we need. The Government must in parallel also bring forward statutory measures to introduce stronger enforcement of workers’ rights and action against unscrupulous employer practices.”