Angela Rayner comments on broken Conservative manifesto promise on flexible work

Angela Rayner MP, Labour’s Deputy Leader and Shadow Secretary of State for the Future of Work, commenting on the announcement on the right to request flexible working and the break of a Conservative manifesto commitment to make flexible working the default, said:

“This is another broken manifesto promise from the Conservatives who promised to make flexible working the default. Once again the Conservatives have sold out working people.

“Labour will give workers the right to flexible working – not just the right to request it. Labour will make flexible working a force for good so that everyone is able to enjoy the benefits of flexible working, from a better work-life balance to less time commuting and more time with their family.

"Tory employment law leaves workers waiting up to two years to access some basic rights, including protection against some types of unfair dismissal. Labour will end this arbitrary system and scrap qualifying time for basic rights, such as unfair dismissal, sick pay, and parental leave.

“The ‘new normal’ after this pandemic must mean a new deal for all working people based on flexibility, security and strengthened rights at work.”