LABOUR will push for a “large scale revival of trade unionism” in Britain when it is elected to government, shadow chancellor John McDonnell will say tonight.

At an event in central London to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Institute of Employment Rights (IER), he is expected to say that Jeremy Corbyn moving into Downing Street would prompt a huge growth in trade union membership.

Mr McDonnell is expected to speak on the historic high points of trade unionism in the late 19th century, when workers joined unions in great numbers to turn the tide on casualisation.

He will also compare the conditions that many workers faced in the Victorian times with those in the current gig economy.

He will assert that Labour is the party with workable solutions to correct the work and employment issues of our times, including the vital task of “rebalancing the distribution of power in the workplace.”

“The surge of trade union recruitment in the late 19th century was the result of working people confronting an economy based upon low pay, long hours and the lack of employment rights,” he will say.

“Today, we once again have low pay and insecurity, with many working long hours while others struggle to find enough work, and it’s time we had another surge of recruitment.”

Many of the policies in the shadow chancellor’s labour strategy were created and popularised by the IER, whose experts include renowned trade unionist barristers John Hendy QC and Alex Just as well as labour law expert Professor Keith Ewing.

IER director Carolyn Jones welcomed Mr McDonnell’s remarks, adding: “There is now an opportunity for the UK to once again take the lead in transforming the world of work from one based on exploitation and insecurity to one fit for the 21st century.

“We need a system that would recognise the fundamental role that trade unions play in creating a fair, productive and sustainable economy.”

Lauren Townsend, a Unite member and organiser of the TGI Friday’s strikes last year, gave her best wishes to the IER, adding: “The IER has supported TGI Friday’s workers from the start.

“They have given us platforms to tell our story, and explained in clear and simple ways how their policy proposals, once implemented by a Corbyn government, will improve the working conditions of our members.

“If IER didn’t exist, we would have to invent it. Well done IER.”

Communication Workers Union (CWU) general secretary Dave Ward welcomed Mr McDonnell’s speech, telling the Star: “He has set out a vision that will rejuvenate the labour movement and immeasurably strengthen the collective voice of all UK workers.

“It’s time for all trade unions to mobilise together and change the balance of forces at work, and make 2019 the year we launch the real fight for a new deal for all UK workers.”

Current Labour proposals include banning zero-hours contracts, repealing the 2016 Trade Union Act, clamping down on bogus self-employment practices in sectors such as service and construction, and ending private finance initiatives.

The leadership also plans to establish a Department for Labour, which would see trade unionists having a direct involvement on the Labour government’s front bench.