Fury as Angela Rayner claims workers’ rights overhaul will boost the economy after the government’s own analysis suggests it could cost business 5BILLION a year and lead to price rises and job cuts [Video]

11:52 EDT 21 Oct 2024, updated 20:51 EDT 21 Oct 2024

Angela Rayner was forced to defend the government’s flagship workers’ rights law after its own impact assessment suggested it could cost businesses up to £5billion a year. 

The Deputy Prime Minister was harangued by Tories in the Commons today as she insisted the Employments Rights Bill would have a ‘positive impact on growth’. 

The package – including flexible working, paternity and sick leave from day one – could force up prices for consumers and lead to job cuts, according to an impact assessment released by ministers.  

It is the first time the government has produced any estimated costs for the controversial measures, which are being debated and voted on by MPs this afternoon.

Documents published ahead of the vote stated that the government ‘expects the policies covered within the Bill to impose a direct cost on business of low billion pounds per year (ie, less than £5billion annually).’ 

The assessment …