Employment and Trade Union Rights (Dismissal and Re-engagement) Bill

Marie Rimmer Excerpts

2nd reading
Friday 22nd October 2021 Commons Chamber

[Barry Gardiner]

We all enjoyed the hon. Member’s contribution. All I would say to him is that, at this time of day, one should never drink on an empty head.

[Ms Marie Rimmer (St Helens South and Whiston) (Lab)]

I thank my hon. Friend for bringing this important debate to the Chamber today. Does he agree that it is a heavy, damaging and frightening environment for the public out there when they are being threatened and intimidated by unscrupulous bosses telling them not to go to their trade unions? They are being picked out individually and forced down that route because they are afraid of not being employed if they go to their trade union for support.

[Barry Gardiner]

Again, I am grateful to my hon. Friend. I think we in this place often have a very poor understanding of just how insecure people in the workplace really are. Most of us here have the comfort and luxury of being Members of Parliament. The point that she makes about how important it is to have support in that environment from a trade union is absolutely essential.