Unions warn that Nigel Farage's 'pro-women' legislation could cost female workers money by removing equal pay for work of equal value, a move Labour describes as backtracking on 16 years of equality protections. The Trades Union Congress has labelled the Reform UK proposal 'a smokescreen for slashing women's rights' just days before the critical Makerfield by-election, with TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak warning working mothers would face particular financial hardship.
The proposed Women and Motherhood Protection Act would replace the 2010 Equality Act, threatening pay entitlements for positions requiring similar skill, effort and accountability despite being different jobs. This protection covers workers in different professions — such as nurses compared to warehouse staff — who perform jobs requiring comparable skill and effort despite not doing identical work.
