UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned that support for rival parties could threaten newly introduced workers’ rights, as a series of labour and welfare measures come into force across the UK.
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In an article published ahead of the policy changes taking effect on Monday, Starmer criticised political opponents and some business figures who had opposed the reforms. He described the package as the most significant expansion of workers’ protections in a generation.
The measures include changes to sick pay, parental leave and employment protections, introduced under the Employment Rights Act 2025.
Labour contrasts itself with rivals
Starmer used the moment to challenge both left- and right-wing opponents ahead of local elections scheduled for 7 May. He argued that only his party combined economic credibility with the willingness to implement major labour reforms.
“A vote for any other party puts that progress at risk – whether through choices that would take us backwards, or approaches that simply don’t stand up to the realities of governing,” he wrote.
The prime minister also highlighted the need for what he called a “serious, credible economic strategy,” drawing a contrast with both the Green Party of England and Wales and Reform UK.
The Greens are currently led by Zack Polanski, while Nigel Farage has become a prominent figure associated with Reform UK.
New welfare and employment measures
Among the measures introduced on Monday is the removal of the two-child benefit cap, a policy originally introduced by the Conservatives in 2015 under then-chancellor George Osborne.
Starmer described the move as one of the proudest moments of his government.
Other changes include a 4.8% rise in the state pension, bringing it to £241.30 per week, and a 2.3% increase in the standard allowance of universal credit.
Under the new employment legislation, statutory sick pay will be available from the first day of illness rather than after a waiting period. Workers will also gain access to paternity leave and unpaid parental leave from the first day of employment.
Labour has promoted the changes as major policy achievements as it prepares for local and regional elections across England, as well as parliamentary elections in Scotland and Wales.
Political pressure ahead of elections
Polling suggests Labour faces significant electoral pressure. A recent survey by YouGov placed the Greens in joint second place nationally behind Reform UK.
Separate polling conducted by former Conservative treasurer Michael Ashcroft suggested a three-way tie between the Greens, Conservatives and Reform UK, each on 21%, with Labour trailing on 17%.
The growing strength of the Greens has been highlighted by their recent victory in the formerly safe Labour constituency of Gorton and Denton.
A spokesperson for the Green Party rejected Starmer’s criticism, saying the party now represented working-class voters and accusing Labour of weakening the reforms after pressure from corporate lobbyists.
Criticism from left and right
Starmer’s government has faced criticism from across the political spectrum. On the left, trade union leaders say the reforms fall short of earlier promises.
Unite the Union general secretary Sharon Graham described the Employment Rights Act as “a shell of its former self”. The union recently reduced the membership fees it pays to Labour, partly in response to the ongoing bin strike in Birmingham.
Meanwhile the Conservative Party criticised the removal of the two-child benefit cap, arguing it would cost billions of pounds.
Party leader Kemi Badenoch said the policy would increase welfare spending and accused the government of providing additional support to households not in work.
Labour rejected the criticism, saying Conservative figures relied on misleading calculations and incorrectly categorised households that included people with disabilities as unemployed.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 6 April 2026
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