Reform UK has faced sharp criticism after the party revealed plans to repeal major Labour legislation protecting workers and tenants. Richard Tice, the party’s business spokesperson, outlined a proposed “great repeal act” that would undo recent reforms, including the Employment Rights Act and the Renters’ Rights Act. The move has sparked concerns among unions, tenant advocacy groups, and housing experts.
In his first speech since being appointed by Nigel Farage to cover business, trade, and energy, Tice called for a wide-ranging overhaul of UK regulations. He described several existing laws as “daft” and signalled a broader agenda that also includes ending net zero targets and promoting domestic shale gas extraction through fracking.
Tice specifically criticised the Employment Rights Act, passed in December, which strengthened protections for workers on sick pay, parental leave, and zero-hours contracts. The law guarantees hours for employees, provides compensation for short-notice shift cancellations, and limits fire-and-rehire practices. Tice argued that these measures have discouraged employers from hiring young people, contributing to higher youth unemployment.
The Renters’ Rights Act also drew Tice’s ire. The legislation ended “no fault” evictions, replaced fixed-term tenancies with open-ended agreements, and introduced new health and safety obligations for landlords. Tice claimed these rules made renting too risky, reducing property availability and pushing up rents. “There’s a balance of risk and reward, and too many landlords have said, enough is enough,” he said.
Critics have strongly condemned the proposals. Sarah Elliott, chief executive of the homeless charity Shelter, warned that repealing these laws would leave working families exposed to insecure housing and poor conditions. Clara Collingwood of the Renters’ Reform Coalition said removing tenant protections would be a major setback for millions, particularly those on lower incomes, and could worsen homelessness.
Trade unions have also spoken out. Andrea Egan, general secretary of Unison, noted that Reform UK MPs have consistently opposed measures to improve workplace fairness. She said rolling back these protections would harm millions of workers and was “a huge mistake.”
Tice framed his proposals as part of a broader economic and industrial strategy, echoing US-style rhetoric. He suggested implementing tight quotas and tariffs on some Chinese imports to protect domestic manufacturing. He also called for a sovereign wealth fund to invest in UK energy, including new North Sea oil drilling and fracking projects, with slogans such as “Lincolnshire gas for Lincolnshire jobs” and “Yorkshire gas for Yorkshire growth.”
Environmental groups expressed scepticism about these energy plans. Mike Childs, policy head at Friends of the Earth, said that true energy security would come from investing in renewable energy and improving energy efficiency through nationwide home insulation, rather than expanding fossil fuel extraction.
The proposals have raised questions about the political and social impact of repealing Labour’s flagship laws. Many experts argue that weakening workers’ rights could increase job insecurity and reduce protections for employees in zero-hours contracts or other vulnerable positions. Meanwhile, tenants could face a return to less secure tenancies, with landlords regaining the ability to evict without cause.
Housing market commentators have also weighed in. They suggest that repealing the Renters’ Rights Act may temporarily increase the supply of rental properties, but it could also undermine affordability and leave tenants with fewer rights. The balance between protecting landlords and safeguarding renters remains a contentious issue.
Tice’s criticism of regulations comes at a time when the UK faces ongoing challenges in housing, energy, and labour markets. While he claims the current laws are “well-intentioned but counterproductive,” opponents argue that repealing them could harm the very groups Reform UK claims to support.
The proposed repeal act follows a trend in UK politics where parties have sought to reduce regulatory burdens. However, the scale and scope of Reform UK’s proposals, particularly regarding workers and renters, have prompted intense scrutiny and debate.
Observers note that Tice’s energy policies, including fracking and new oil extraction, may further polarise public opinion, especially in light of the climate crisis and the UK’s net zero targets. Critics argue that investment in renewables and energy efficiency would better serve long-term national interests.
If implemented, the “great repeal act” would mark a significant shift in UK social and economic policy. Repealing workers’ rights and tenant protections would reverse recent reforms aimed at improving fairness, stability, and security for millions of citizens.
As Reform UK pushes forward with its agenda, unions, housing charities, and environmental organisations are likely to continue campaigning against these proposals. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between deregulation, economic growth, and social protection in contemporary UK politics.
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