The Labour government’s latest Employment Rights Bill not only represents yet another assault on free speech, but will also lead to less of their supporters being employed as companies think twice about employing left-wingers.
The bill will make free speech, and humour, in the workplace a thing of the past all under the guise of protecting workers from 'harassment' and 'offence'. At the heart of the bill is a provision that would hold employers liable for third-party harassment, meaning they could face legal consequences if employees claim to be offended by customers, clients, or contractors.
The implications of this policy don't just end there. Pub landlords could be sued if bar staff take offense at a customer’s jokes, or employers might feel forced to silence workers or ban clients to avoid legal trouble. This sort of legislation could lead to a chilling effect, where businesses preemptively restrict speech to avoid costly lawsuits.
Even more sinister, the law effectively deputises employers to enforce moral codes dictated by bureaucrats. Landlords will have to become the 'banter police' of face possible lawsuits.
Labour MPs argue that these provisions will enhance protections for vulnerable workers, particularly those with “protected characteristics” such as gender and age, shielding them from inappropriate behaviour in the workplace. They claim it will hold employers accountable for creating safer, more inclusive work environments.
Employment Secretary Angela Rayner said the bill "empowers workers and strengthens their rights" by tackling workplace harassment head-on.
However, critics warn that this move undermines free speech and could have unintended consequences. Many fear it will lead to employers avoiding hiring people they perceive as easily offended, effectively encouraging discrimination against certain groups. The very people Labour claims to protect could find themselves excluded from jobs due to fears of costly legal battles
Labour’s track record on free speech is also under scrutiny. One of the government’s first acts was shelving legislation designed to protect free speech on university campuses, raising concerns that Labour is fostering a culture of de-platforming. Would gender-critical thinkers like Kathleen Stock still be welcome on campus, or would they face calls to cancel their events? This bill adds to the growing list of controls, with the public being viewed more and more as a “problem to be managed.”
As free speech continues to be eroded, Britain risks becoming a politically correct and joyless society, stifling the debate and humor that are essential to its cultural vibrancy. This bill, in particular, represents another step toward the enforcement of a conformist, risk-averse society where even harmless banter can land businesses in hot water.
For further details on the Employment Rights Bill, you can read the full text of the bill
House of Commons Library. ps://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-1
Review Labour’s policy paper outlining these reforms here.
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