Labour set to axe workers’ ‘right to switch off’: Plans to ban employers contacting staff outside of working hours to be scrapped in bid to boost economic growth after tax raid Budget_Nhy
Plans to give staff the right to ignore bosses’ messages outside of working hours are set to be dropped by the government this week.
The proposal to grant workers a ‘right to switch off’ formed a central part of Sir Keir Starmer‘s manifesto vow to establish a ‘new deal for working people’.
But the policy will be scrapped to reduce the impact on businesses that are preparing for tax increases starting next month as a result of Rachel Reeves’s Budget last autumn.
Labour had vowed to copy countries such as Belgium, Ireland, and France which allow workers to avoid emails, texts and phone calls received out of hours, without fear of reprisals.
They wanted to introduce the policy following the surge in home-working to prevent Brits’ homes becoming ’24/7 offices’.
However, on Tuesday ministers will confirm that the policy has been dropped from the Employment Rights Bill when they table a series of amendments.
While it did not appear in the bill going through parliament, the government had committed to implementing it in the future.
The decision has been taken by Jonathan Reynolds, the Business Secretary, and Chancellor Rachel Reeves over concerns the provision would have been too much of a burden on businesses.
The proposal to grant workers a ‘right to switch off’ formed a central part of Sir Keir Starmer’s manifesto vow to establish a ‘new deal for working people’
Businesses are preparing for tax increases starting next month as a result of Rachel Reeves’s budget last autumn
Ms Reeves is seeking to boost business confidence and economic growth after her tax-raiding budget in October triggered a collapse in businesses’ confidence in Britain.
A government source told The Times: ‘The right to switch off is dead. We have to lower business compliance costs as much as possible.
‘Growth that puts money in people’s pockets is the number-one priority of this government’s “plan for change”. That means making Britain the best country in the world in which to do business — and a key part of that is removing unnecessary barriers.’
Labour’s ‘New Deal for Working People’ being pushed by Deputy PM Angela Rayner while in opposition had already received criticism, with businesses warning against burdening firms with more red tape and stunting economic growth.
The original concept had already been rebranded as ‘Labour’s plan to make work pay’ in May and reworded a commitment on ending zero-hours contracts to ending ‘exploitative’ zero-hours contracts.
Ms Rayner has agreed to the move, although it is unclear how supportive she is.
Other changes to the bill include a ‘lighter touch’ approach towards probation periods — another concession to business leaders.
The government will also signal a preference to set probation periods at nine months rather than the six demanded by union leaders.
Labour’s ‘New Deal for Working People’ being pushed by Deputy PM Angela Rayner while in opposition had already received criticism
Rises in the National Minimum Wage and Employer National Insurance contributions next month will squeeze the finances of all companies (file photo)
Probation is viewed by employers as a vital protection that allows businesses to hire staff while knowing they can be easily dismissed if they are unable to deliver.
More than 850 companies responded to a consultation last Autumn about Government proposals on changing workers rights but major changes are not expected to be introduced until autumn 2026.
Rises in the National Minimum Wage and Employer National Insurance contributions next month will squeeze the finances of all companies.
But many of Labour’s landmark employment reforms will still be going ahead.
Zero-hour contracts will be limited and the introduction of day-one protection against unfair dismissal will remain in place as currently staff can only bring Employment Tribunal claims after two years.
Entitlement to bereavement leave, paternity leave and parental leave from day one in a job will also be be introduced.
A government source added: ‘It’s important that our changes to the Employment Rights Bill work for businesses.’
MailOnline has contacted Labour for comment.
