TUC General Secretary Urges Keir Starmer to Consider Customs Union with EU and Fully Implement Employment Rights Act
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak has urged Labour leader Keir Starmer not to rule out the possibility of the UK entering a customs union with the EU. Nowak argues that such a move would lower trade barriers with the EU, the UK's biggest trading market, which could benefit multiple sectors including aerospace, automotive, and steel. Representing over five million workers across 47 unions, Nowak emphasizes the importance of maintaining good deals with Europe.
Nowak advocates for the year 2026 to be a time when the government actively addresses the cost of living crisis, citing Brexit as one driver behind high supermarket prices. He supports exploring all options up to and including a customs union, despite Starmer's current stance ruling out rejoining the EU single market and customs union. Background context shows Labour has backed a Liberal Democrat bid to initiate negotiations on a bespoke EU customs union, though its manifesto excludes rejoining the existing customs union. Conservative and Reform UK parties oppose rejoining, and there are concerns that such a move could jeopardize trade deals with the US and India.
On labour rights, Nowak calls for the full and timely implementation of the Employment Rights Act. This legislation is set to grant sick pay and paternity leave from day one of employment and enhance protections for pregnant women; however, some measures have been delayed. Labour has agreed to phase in first-day unfair dismissal rights after six months instead of immediately. Additionally, Nowak demands the removal of any caps on penalties for large employers who block union organizing efforts.
The TUC, representing 47 unions and over five million members, wields significant influence on government policy. Nowak stresses that fully enforcing the Employment Rights Act is essential to improving living standards nationwide.
