UK Labour Government Reassures Businesses Amid New Workers' Rights Plans

British ministers sought to reassure business leaders about upcoming changes in workers' rights. At Labour's annual conference, Rachel Reeves emphasized collaboration with businesses in policy-making and addressed concerns about the reforms. Jonathan Reynolds reassured that the changes wouldn't eliminate probation periods and aimed to set minimum working conditions standards.

British ministers sought to reassure business leaders on Monday about upcoming changes in workers' rights and pay, asserting the crucial role of companies in the Labour government's plans.

During a 'Business Day' event at Labour's annual conference in Liverpool, finance minister Rachel Reeves emphasized the importance of co-writing business and growth policies with business leaders. She assured that their concerns were understood and that detailed information would be available soon.

Business minister Jonathan Reynolds clarified that new reforms aimed at improving workers' rights would still allow businesses to use probation periods for new hires, and were meant to set minimum standards for working conditions, which many employers already meet. He also highlighted Labour's efforts to improve post-Brexit trade relations with the EU, though warned substantial progress would take time.

(With inputs from agencies.)