Labour watchdog will have ‘real teeth’ to prosecute rogue employers, says Angela Rayner

Angela Rayner says poor enforcement of workers’ rights has led to a ‘race to the bottom’. Photograph: Andy Buchanan/PA

Labour will create a watchdog with “real teeth” that has the power to prosecute and fine companies that breach the rights of their employees as part of its plans to strengthen workers’ rights.

Angela Rayner, the party’s deputy leader, told the Observer that she would create a new body, the Fair Work Agency, to oversee her proposals. She said that millions of workers could be losing out on basic rights as a result of underenforcement.