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.
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.
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.”
