Nigel Farage is facing a fresh political battle after one of Britain’s biggest trade unions accused Reform UK of posing a direct threat to workers’ rights despite its growing appeal among working-class voters. The warning comes as Reform continues to make inroads into Labour’s traditional heartlands, with recent polling suggesting the party is now level with Labour among unionised workers — a remarkable shift that is alarming trade union leaders and Labour strategists alike. Union Boss Launches Blistering Attack GMB General Secretary Gary Smith is set to use the union’s annual congress in Blackpool to deliver a sharp rebuke to Farage and his party, branding Reform “rebadged Tories” and accusing its leadership of disguising an anti-worker agenda. Smith is expected to argue that Reform’s attempts to court union members stand in stark contrast to its policy positions. He will tell delegates that while trade unionists were fighting on picket lines and campaigning against Conservative policies, many of Reform’s leading figures were supporting the Thatcher-era agenda that reshaped Britain's industrial communities. Workers’ Rights Become the New Frontline At the centre of the dispute is Reform’s opposition to Labour’s Employment Rights Act. The legislation includes measures designed to curb zero-hours contracts, restrict so-called “fire and rehire” practices, strengthen sick pay and bolster protections against unfair dismissal. Union leaders argue that repealing those measures would strip away hard-won protections at a time when many workers remain under pressure from rising living costs and economic uncertainty. Smith is expected to warn delegates that Reform’s plans would weaken collective bargaining rights and make it harder for unions to organise in major workplaces, including large private-sector employers. Labour Tensions, Reform Surge The intervention comes despite ongoing strains between Labour and its affiliated unions. Several major unions recently questioned Sir Keir Starmer’s political direction, highlighting growing unease within the wider labour movement. Yet union leaders appear increasingly concerned that voter frustration with mainstream politics could push more working-class voters towards Reform. With polling showing strong public support for measures such as guaranteed hours, day-one sick pay and an end to fire-and-rehire practices, workers’ rights are rapidly emerging as a key political battleground ahead of the next general election. GMB leader tears into workers' rights plot from Nigel Farage's 'rebadged Tories'
