Today, Labour unveils one of its flagship policies – a set of workplace reforms intended to “make work pay”. Our polling shows the proposals chime with broad public support for workplace reform – with half of Britons agreeing that employee rights need to be strengthened.

Support for reform is split by political views and working status. Right-leaning voters are generally less passionate about workplace reform, as are retirees. Support is strongest among those on the left, full-time workers, those temporarily out of work, students and homemakers.

Although we found high support for all individual proposals we tested, top of the list was giving workers immediate protection from unfair dismissal, with 70% approval. Flexible working rights, bans on zero hours contracts and day one sick pay all command over 60% support.

It’s clear that those temporarily out of work are especially supportive of greater protection and flexibility in the workplace. Notably, this group includes individuals on sick leave and those actively searching for jobs. People in precarious positions may feel they have a greater stake in workplace reform.

Statutory Probation Periods

Although the public strongly supports giving workers day-one protection from unfair dismissal, probation periods also align with public opinion. Most think it’s right that workers starting a new job are expected to pass a probation period.

As Labour consults with business leaders on the introduction of a statutory probation period for new hires, voters may be willing to accept this compromise.

Sick Pay

From our focus groups, we know that public attitudes towards sick pay have changed significantly since the pandemic. The public feel that it’s wrong to expect people to go to work while ill – potentially jeopardising their own health and the health of others.

This has likely boosted support for Labour’s plan to remove the waiting period for sick pay, allowing voters to claim it from the first day of illness. 63% of the public support this.

Many people (62%) think Labour should go even further, and increase the rate of Statutory Sick Pay.

While support for sick pay reform is strongest among left-leaning segments, it also has high support among Loyal Nationals. This suggests that Labour’s plan is highly popular among “Red Wall” voters. 

It’s perhaps also significant that Disengaged Battlers have the second highest level of support. Disengaged Battlers are the most economically insecure segment, and are more likely to be in lower paid roles that rely on Statutory Sick Pay. It’s possible that their strong support stems from lived experience.

Zero-Hours Contracts

The public broadly supports Labour’s plan to abolish zero-hours contracts and introduce the right to guaranteed working hours.

Interestingly, support is slightly lower among students and part-time workers, despite these groups typically being more aligned with Labour’s reforms. Given that students and part-time workers are more likely to hold zero-hours contracts, this could reflect some anxiety from those within the gig economy.

Working from home

One of Labour’s earlier proposals that didn’t make it into this bill is the right to work remotely. We found that most people (60%) believe that workers should have the right to work from home.

However, the debate on this issue is sharply divided by age. Those heading towards retirement tend to oppose remote working, whereas those of working age are far more supportive. The youngest age group we polled (18-24) were twice as likely to be in favour of remote working than the older generation (75+).