Politics

Angela Rayner Sparks Outrage as Critics Slam Banter Crackdown That Could Change Offices Forever

Published on July 7, 2025

Angela Rayner’s proposed Employment Rights Bill has stirred up a storm, with the Conservatives claiming it could unleash a wave of so-called “banter police” into British workplaces, clamping down on everyday conversations and bringing in what they call “wokerati thought police”.

The Bill aims to strengthen protections for employees, especially when it comes to harassment from third parties, but critics say it risks going too far. Under the proposed law, an employee could take their boss to a tribunal if they believe jokes or comments—what some might call harmless banter—cross the line and are offensive due to race, sex or religion, and if the employer hasn’t taken proper steps to stop it, reported the Express.

The backlash from the Conservatives has been sharp. Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffin claimed it’s just another blow to businesses already struggling under mountains of regulation and tax. He warned that the Bill could pile pressure on companies to recruit extra diversity officers to monitor conversations, simply to prove they’re trying to comply.

“Innocent office banter will be spied on by wokerati thought police,” Griffin told MailOnline. “These banter tsars will have a chilling effect in workplaces.”

The Conservatives argue the legislation doesn’t give enough space for people to express their views on moral, religious, political or social topics without fear of being hauled up for harassment. They’re worried it’ll stifle open dialogue and push businesses into a corner.

Despite the uproar, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has stood firmly behind the Bill, calling it “the single biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation.” The proposed law includes wide-reaching reforms, like ending “fire and rehire” tactics, removing the lower earnings limit for statutory sick pay, and giving employees more secure contracts based on the hours they actually work.

There are also plans for workers to receive reasonable notice for shifts and guaranteed payment when shifts are cancelled at the last minute. On top of that, the Bill looks to boost parental leave rights and ensure stronger action is taken when it comes to harassment at work.

A Government spokesperson pushed back against the claims, stating: “No business would be required to hire staff to monitor speech or diversity under the Employment Rights Bill. The 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.”

A source close to the Government also pointed out that under the existing Equality Act 2010, courts and tribunals are already expected to balance the right to free speech with protection from harassment, depending on the specifics of each case.

Even so, the backlash shows no signs of cooling, with fears the Bill could open the door to more surveillance and red tape in everyday working life. Whether it’s a long-overdue shake-up or an overreach into office culture, this one’s dividing opinion fast.

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