Unions have warned that a law proposed by Nigel Farage to "strengthen women's rights" could actually cost female workers money by removing equal pay for work of equal value. Reform UK introduced the "women and motherhood protection act" days before the Makerfield byelection, claiming it would restore equality before the law. However, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has described the proposal as "shameless and deceptive."
Potential Impact on Equal Pay
The new policy would supersede the 2010 Equality Act, putting in doubt the right to equal pay for jobs that are different but demand comparable levels of skill, effort, and responsibility. This right has led to significant payouts, such as the 2024 case where over 3,500 workers at Next won a six-year battle after an employment tribunal ruled that predominantly female store staff should not be paid less than warehouse employees, where just over half the staff are male. Next is appealing the judgment.
Reform UK's Proposal
Under Reform UK's plan, women's rights would be better protected by laws from the 1970s and 1990s, including the Equal Pay Act 1970 and the Employment Rights Act 1996. The party also proposes extending the time limit for pregnancy and maternity claims of unfair dismissal from three months to 12 months. In a press release, Reform UK stated that a "Reform UK government will be the most pro-woman, pro-mother and pro-family government in modern British history." The party added that "women will retain the right to receive the same pay for the same work, while ensuring that equal pay law remains focused on genuine cases of pay discrimination."
Criticism from Unions
Paul Nowak, general secretary of the TUC, said Reform has "serious questions to answer" on whether it would keep the principle of equal pay for work of equal value. He described the comments around motherhood as patronising and called the proposal "a smokescreen for slashing women's rights and making life harder for families." Nowak added, "If Reform was really on the side of women, the party wouldn't have pledged to rip up the Equality Act, effectively legalising discrimination. Equating women's success with motherhood is patronising, antiquated and plain wrong."
Candidate Controversy
Reform UK's candidate in Makerfield, Robert Kenyon, has faced criticism for allegedly making offensive comments about women on social media. One account linked to Kenyon wrote that women can't "ref, drive or give directions" and stated, "I'm sexist, sorry but I am." Kenyon also admitted to making "crass comments" about television presenter Carol Vorderman. Nigel Farage downplayed the comments as "laddish pub talk." Voters in Makerfield will go to the polls on Thursday.
