Government promises “a new era” after landmark talks with unions and businesses

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Angela Rayner hailed “a new era of partnership” after a landmark meeting between government, business and unions on Wednesday.

The meeting, hosted by Deputy Prime Minister and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, follows Labour’s manifest commitment to work with both business and unions in an effort to kick-start economic growth.

Described as the “first of its kind”, the meeting saw participants pledge to “wipe the slate clean and begin a new relationship of respect and collaboration”, according to the Department of Business and Trade.

High on the agenda were the Government’s proposed Work Rights Bill, to be introduced within the first 100 days of the new administration, and a wider plan to “make work pay”.

Ms Rayner said: “Our plan to make work pay will bring together workers and businesses, both large and small and across industries, for the good of the economy.

“This meeting, the first of its kind, has ushered in a new era of partnership that will benefit everyone across the country as they strive to build a better life.”

Mr Reynolds said: “For too long, valuable business and union input has been ignored by government, even on past decisions that directly affected them.

“Business and workers will always help shape the government’s ambitions, including our plan to make work pay, to ensure it boosts economic growth and creates better working conditions for all.”

Participants include the Trade Union Congress and major unions such as Unite, Unison and GMB, alongside business groups such as the CBI, British Chambers of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses.

He added: “Together, we can raise the bar so every job has the pay and security families need to thrive, workers have access to unions, and good employers aren’t undermined by bad ones.”

CBI head of policy John Foster said the meeting was a “welcome step” in starting “constructive dialogue” about the government’s plans.

In opposition, some accused Labor of “watering down” its proposals on employment rights after consulting with companies, while the Conservatives said the reforms would harm the economy.

Concerns from some businesses about the impact of the proposed changes remain, with FSB policy chair Tina McKenzie saying it would be “essential” that the government “attempts to minimize the damage to employment, small businesses and the economy from any negative impact of these . proposals”.

Both Mr Foster and Jonathan Geldart, chief executive of the Institute of Directors, said consultation would be vital to avoid Labour’s proposals having “unintended consequences”.

Unison general secretary Christina McAnea said only “bad bosses” would not want the initiative to succeed, saying: “Decent employers and staff across Britain know that paid work means real change for the better.”

In its manifesto, Labor pledged to consult “fully” with business, workers and civil society on how to implement its plans.