UNIONS have urged Labour to ignore the “naysayers” and “double down” on reforms to improve working rights.

The 11-affiliated Labour unions, including Unite, GMB and Unison, have issued a joint appeal to the party to make good on their promises outlined in the Employment Rights Bill.

It comes as Labour faces growing pressures from businesses to water down changes promised to workers’ rights outlined in the legislation.

“Now is the time to face down the naysayers, see these essential commitments through, and ensure that the measures in the Employment Rights Bill will work in practice to deliver the change so urgently needed,” their statement said.

They highlighted that the “country voted for change they can see and feel — and put their trust in Labour to make it happen” with “fair economic growth built on good, secure jobs and decent wages.”

Labour’s Bill includes a ban on exploitative zero-hours contracts, day one sick pay and new rights to parental leave and flexible working.

But businesses have threatened to lay off staff if the reforms go ahead while rightwingers warn they will harm economic growth.

Hitting back, the union leaders said: “These measures are not a block on growth — they are how the UK gets the growth it needs.

“Even modest improvements as a result of the Bill would net the economy more than £13 billion a year.

“This is not some kind of business vs workers showdown. That is a false narrative peddled by those with a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. 

“Better employment standards, improved worker well-being and a secure labour market is good for employees, good for employers and good for the economy.

“No government is perfect, and this one hasn’t got everything right, but now is the time to double down on delivering the change people voted for — fair economic growth built on good, secure jobs and decent wages.”

A Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said: “Our plan to Make Work Pay is a crucial part of our mission to go further and faster on delivering economic growth so working people feel the benefits by boosting their pay and raising living standards across the country.”

A recent TUC-commissioned mega-poll found most Tory and Reform voters back a zero-hours ban and statutory sick pay from day one.