REFORM would “take an axe” to LGBT+ workers’ rights and “turn back the clock” by ripping up hard-won freedoms, the TUC has warned.

The warning came as the union body’s LGBT+ workers conference kicked off in Brighton yesterday.

The TUC said Reform UK wants to “torch Britain’s established legal framework” by scrapping the Employment Rights Act and the Equality Act.

TUC research shows more than half a million LGBT+ workers experience bullying, harassment and discrimination at work.

Scrapping the Employment Rights Act would “effectively legitimise attacks” on LGBT+ workers, the TUC said, while abolishing the Equality Act would have “serious consequences” for all workers.

Mr Nowak said: “Workers and their unions have fought for years to secure protection against abuse and harassment and with the Employment Rights Act, all workers – including LGBT+ workers – are standing to benefit from stronger rights.

“But Reform UK would turn the clock back for LGBT+ communities – taking an axe to these hard-won rights and making life harder for workers up and down the country.

“Make no mistake – Reform is not a party on the side of working people.”

The TUC pointed to examples in Reform-led councils, including Durham, where funding for its local Pride event was refused, deputy council leader Darren Grimes claiming the £2,500 would be redirected to key services.

The event went ahead after trade unions raised £25,000 in support.

Referring to US President Donald Trump, Mr Nowak told the conference yesterday that Reform councils are “engaging in culture wars, straight out of the Trump playbook.”

“Reform never did, never will and cannot speak on behalf of working people,” he said.

“That’s our job, as trade unions – and it’s a job that we should do with pride.”

Addressing concerns that workers were considering voting for Reform, Mr Nowak said it was unions’ responsibility to highlight “the gap between what Reform does and what Reform says” rather than dismissing those drawn to the party.

“I refuse to believe that the majority of people in this country, who I think are decent and fair-minded, can’t be won to a message of hope, rather than a message of division,” he said.

“We’re better than that. Our members are better than that.

“But it won’t happen by chance. We’ll beat the far right by organising, campaigning and mobilising together.”