Following the party’s success in the recent local elections, Natasha Smith examines its labour market policies
The May local election results have highlighted a fundamental shift in the UK political landscape. While Labour and the Conservative party both sustained heavy losses, Reform made significant gains. BBC analysis suggests that Reform would have picked up the largest share of the votes had the local elections been held nationally.
Although there is no clear route to power for Reform, and the next general election is likely still a few years away, its recent success means it is worth analysing the party’s policies and attitude towards employment regulation.
At present, much of the focus in employment law is on the phased implementation of the Employment Rights Act 2025, including stronger protections for workers on zero-hours contracts, expanded day-one rights, trade union reforms and restrictions on ‘fire and rehire’ practices. Many of these measures are set to take effect later in 2026 and 2027.
Reform UK has publicly stated that it would seek to repeal large parts of this legislation through what it has described as a ‘great repeal bill’. The party’s approach favours greater labour market flexibility and reduced regulatory burdens on employers.
The party has been particularly critical of measures affecting zero-hours contracts, guaranteed-hours provisions and restrictions on flexible staffing models. Reform spokespeople have argued that some of the new legislation...
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