Unions accuse Reform leader of being ‘on the side of bad bosses, zero-hours contracts and fire and rehire’
Labour and trade unions have criticised an attack by Nigel Farage on a proposed law aimed at protecting workers from sexual harassment – which the Reform UK leader claimed could lead to the end of pub banter.
Farage is among those who have criticised the clause in the employment bill that gives workers protection from third-party harassment. It says employers must take “reasonable steps”, for example to protect bartenders from harassment by customers.
Three in five women – and almost two-thirds of women aged between 25 and 34 – say they have experienced sexual harassment, bullying or verbal abuse at work, according to a TUC poll.
The Reform leader said the clause could in effect ban discussion of sensitive subjects such as religion or views on transgender rights. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has said there must be guidance for employers not to overinterpret the legislation, which is meant to protect workers from abuse.
Farage told viewers on his GB News show that it was tantamount to banning pub banter, despite the design to prevent sexual harassment. “I have a little theory that every pub is a parliament. I’ve so often been in a pub debate where I’ve had an opinion and someone says: ‘Hang on a second, have you looked at it like this?’” he said.
“And you actually can be turned around in a pub over a drink by the...
This article is part of The Poynter 50, a series reflecting on 50 moments and people that shaped journalism over the past half-century — and continue to influence its future. As Poynter celebrates...