Sunak faces revolt over 'draconian' law allowing workers to sue bosses over offensive customers

2 April 2023, 17:10 | Updated: 3 April 2023, 00:52

'Draconian' new laws that will allow workers, including bar staff and doctors, to take legal action against their boss if a member of the public offends them at work have sparked a backlash from Tory backbench MPs.
'Draconian' new laws that will allow workers, including bar staff and doctors, to take legal action against their boss if a member of the public offends them at work have sparked a backlash from Tory backbench MPs. Picture: Getty

By Chris Samuel

'Draconian' new laws that will allow workers, including bar staff and doctors, to take legal action against their boss if a member of the public offends them at work have sparked a backlash from Tory backbench MPs.

The Worker Protection Bill, which is close to becoming law, will mean bar staff to sue landlords if a drunk punter insults them, and medics to launch action against the NHS if they're offended by a patient, The Telegraph reports.

The move will bring in a legal requirement for firms and public bodies to take “all reasonable steps” to prevent their staff from being harassed.

But while there is broad support for a separate clause in the Bill which brings in a requirement for employers to prevent the sexual harassment of employees, senior Tories have voiced concern that the proposed legislation in its current form goes beyond its calling, and will result in a wave of litigation and mean business owners are forced to run their firms like a “police state”.

A Whitehall source quoted by the outlet said ministers were “sleep walking” into an expansion of the Equality Act, which Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has blamed for allowing “woke nonsense to permeate public life”.

Read more: Teachers who fail to report grooming gangs 'face jail' under new plans in new drive to protect children

Read more: Three arrested on suspicion of murder as man, 55, killed after being hit by van and second victim seriously injured

Tory MPs reportedly accused the Government of “taking their eye off the ball” by backing the “mad” Private Member’s Bill, which is set to become law within weeks.

The Bill has already made it through a number of Commons sittings and was waved through without a vote on Friday while most MPs were in their constituencies.

Tory backbenchers have called on Rishi Sunak's government to drop to bill over 'police state' fears
Tory backbenchers have called on Rishi Sunak's government to drop to bill over 'police state' fears. Picture: Getty

The Government is facing pressure to drop or strip down the legislation, with Tory backbenchers warning that the “freedom of speech” protections which have been added to the Bill won't be enough to protect businesses from crippling legal action.

Former business secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg, said under the laws, establishments that “serve the public can expect to run a police state in their business”.

Senior Tory Jacob Rees-Mogg is among those voicing concern over the Bill.
Senior Tory Jacob Rees-Mogg is among those voicing concern over the Bill. Picture: Getty

Sir John Hayes, the chairman of the Common Sense Group of Tory MPs, said the law had “sinister implications”, while Craig Mackinlay MP, said called the change “draconian”.

The Bill was sponsored by two Liberal Democrat parliamentarians, Wera Hobhouse and Lady Burt.

Read more: British men detained by Taliban regime 'in contact' with families amid UK Government talks

Read more: Imran Khan says he saw racism in English cricket and is 'not surprised' to hear about Azeem Rafiq's experience

Ms Hobhouse said it would “ensure employees get a proper hearing” against harassment but stressed it was “not about stopping respectful discussion of controversial issues”.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Man 38, lay dead in council toilet for six days before being found

Body of 'gentle giant', 38, lay undiscovered in council toilet for six days before he was found

Novak Djokovic (SRB) [6] during his Gentlemen's Singles Semi-Final match against Jannik Sinner (ITA)

Djokovic states aim to be oldest ever Wimbledon winner

London Southend Airport has partially reopened three days after a fatal plane crash.

London Southend Airport to partially reopen three days after deadly plane crash

Amanda Riley, 49, and Linda Philips, 72, both died on December 26 2023, following a collision in Shard End

Driver who killed mother and daughter on Boxing Day was ‘racing’ at up to 84mph in 30mph zone

Daniel Ames

'Much-loved family man' killed by reversing HGV after he offered to stay behind at work

Captain Sir Tom Moore's daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore

Captain Tom's daughter launches TikTok rebrand as ‘resilience coach’ one year after charity controversy

As the news reporter is presenting - a huge explosion is captured erupting in the background.

Shocking moment Israeli airstrike blasts Syria military HQ on live TV as news reporter flees in terror

Luke Littler posted about failing his driving theory test on his Instagram story.

Luke Littler fails driving theory test... for the fourth time 'and counting'

Smoke billows following Israeli strikes near the Syrian army and defence ministry headquarters in Damascus.

Israel warns 'painful blows will come' as it ramps up strikes on Syria and sends more troops to the border

Footballer Mckenzie Dicicco killed another non-League player in a "cowardly" one-punch attack after a "nonsensical argument"

Footballer who killed another player in ‘cowardly’ one-punch attack jailed

Crystal Palace have been dumped out of the Europa League.

Crystal Palace confirm plans to appeal UEFA decision after being dumped out of Europa League

Different milks on sale in a supermarket UK

Plant-based milk not 'nutritionally equivalent' to cows' milk, experts say

Axel Rudakubana

Prevent programme should continue referrals for no ideology, report recommends

Nintendo has revealed the names of the lead actors starring in the upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda film.

Nintendo releases names of leads for upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda movie

Harvey Willgoose was fatally stabbed to death. Picture: Family handout

'I can't control it': Boy who stabbed fellow pupil Harvey Willgoose to death tells jury being 'bullied' led to 'anger issues'

Six guilty of murder after drug dealer shot dead after serving sentence over dismembering of body

Six guilty of murder of drug dealer shot dead after serving jail time for dismembering body of jazz musician