Angela Rayner speaking at the Local Government Association annual conference.
Share this @internewscast.com

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is facing criticism for allegedly attempting to restrict casual workplace conversations by introducing diversity officers in companies throughout the UK.

New laws drawn up by Rayner would see firms pressured into employing “diversity officers” to crack down on workplace banter deemed offensive.

Angela Rayner speaking at the Local Government Association annual conference.
Tories branded the officers ‘banter police’Credit: PA
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner speaking at a conference.
Rayner’s bill has been heavily criticisedCredit: PA

These new employees would be tasked with, among other things, protecting staff from the possibly offensive content of overheard conversations.

The Tories branded the officers “banter police” and warned that the they would create a “chilling effect” on businesses.

Under the new Employment Rights Bill employers must try and protect staff from harassment by third parties.

Concerns have been raised that the contents of the bill would see a crackdown on free speech.

It comes after the bill was criticised for potentially preventing football fans from asking the ref “are you blind?”

Lord Young said the bill could see a partially-sighted steward take a club to court if offended by chants.

The bill also means workers could take employers to tribunal if jokes or banter overheard in the office are deemed offensive.

This move is anticipated to lead businesses to increase their hiring of diversity officers to demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding employees from inappropriate jokes and to protect themselves from possible tribunal disputes.

The deputy PMs bill fails to stipulate any ring fence allowing for the expression of opinion on political, moral, religious or social matters.

According to the Mail Online the number of employment tribunal claims relating to banter in the workplace rose by nearly 50 per cent in 2021.

Angela Rayner struggles to explain how Labour’s housing plans will cope with 2.5m new migrants

The legislation also requires bosses to allow trade union representatives time off for issues “relating to equality in the workplace.”

Critics have said the bill paves the way to greater unionisation in the workplace.

Rayner’s critics added that the she had received large donations from unions who will directly benefit from the legislation.

The new law will slash the last government’s attempts to stop Whitehall spending taxpayers’ cash on diversity, equality and inclusion.

The initiative is also expected to phase out zero-hours contracts, enhance the rights related to redundancy and flexible working, and permit companies to face tribunal actions even if employees choose not to initiate legal proceedings themselves.

However, the legislation will repeal Tory trade union laws which will reduce the threshold for strike action and make union funding of the Labour party automatic.

Unions will also have an easier time infiltrating workplaces under the new legislation, able to operate with just 2 per cent of a businesses staff joining up.

The Bill says: “Introducing explicit protections from third-party harassment will ensure that victims can be confident that they have recourse to legal redress if their employer has not taken all reasonable steps to protect them.”

A government spokesman said: “The Employment Rights Bill will not affect anyone’s right to lawful free speech, which this Government stands firmly behind. 

“Upsetting remarks do not fall within the definition of harassment.

“We are strengthening workplace protections to tackle harassment and protect employees from intimidating and hostile abuse as well as sexual harassment.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Adam Beckerink, whose wife, Caitlin Tracey, died at his South Loop, Chicago high-rise, sentenced for domestic violence in Michigan

Chicago High-Rise Tragedy: Adam Beckerink Sentenced for Michigan Domestic Violence Following Wife’s Death

In Berrien County, Michigan, a significant development unfolded on Monday as Adam…
Florida AG Uthmeier subpoenas Roblox over child safety

Florida Attorney General Uthmeier Subpoenas Roblox to Investigate Child Safety Concerns

“We are unwavering in our mission to safeguard Florida’s children, and any…
Trump Mocks 'No Kings' Protests: 'I'm Not a King—I Work My A** Off'

Trump Fires Back at ‘No Kings’ Protesters: ‘I’m No Monarch, Just a Hardworking Leader

President Donald Trump addressed the “No Kings” protesters by dismissing them as…
United Airlines flight diverts after windscreen crack

United Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Diversion Due to Windscreen Crack

Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board are currently probing an incident…
dog runs away after battery ignites in flames

Heroic Pup Survives Fire After Lithium-Ion Battery Mishap at Assistant Fire Chief’s Home

A newly released video has captured the unexpected moment when a dog…
George Wendt Way unveiled at 92nd Place and Bell Street in honor of late 'Cheers' cast member and Beverly, Chicago native

Honoring a Legend: ‘George Wendt Way’ Unveiled in Chicago to Celebrate Iconic ‘Cheers’ Star

George Wendt, a beloved figure from Chicago, spent his childhood on Bell…
University fires Turning Point USA table flipper from teaching assistant role after campus outburst

University Dismisses Teaching Assistant Following Viral Turning Point USA Confrontation

An Illinois State University teaching assistant has been dismissed following an incident…
Louvre jewel heist: Manhunt underway for 4 suspects after 'priceless' jewelry at Louvre in Paris stolen

International Manhunt Launched as Priceless Jewelry Stolen from Louvre in Daring Heist

Early Sunday morning, alarm bells rang out at the Louvre Museum as…
Taylor Swift emerges with Travis Kelce to celebrate Chiefs win against Raiders

Taylor Swift Joins Travis Kelce in Celebration as Kansas City Chiefs Triumph Over Raiders

Fresh from their victory at Arrowhead Stadium, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce…
Missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard spotted earlier this month, mom not cooperating: Sheriff

Sheriff: Missing 9-Year-Old Melodee Buzzard Recently Sighted; Mother Uncooperative in Investigation

In California, authorities are diligently searching for Melodee Buzzard, a 9-year-old girl…
Hong Kong cargo plane skids off runway, killing two

Tragic Hong Kong Runway Accident: Cargo Plane Skid Claims Two Lives

In a tragic turn of events at Hong Kong International Airport, two…
New details revealed after Marine Corps live-fire round hits patrol car near Camp Pendleton

Investigation Launched as Marine Corps Live-Fire Incident Strikes Patrol Car Near Camp Pendleton

In a newly disclosed report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), fresh…