Sir Keir Starmer's worker plan could bankrupt British businesses, Tories warn
Labour's New Deal for Working People will see UK companies at risk of increased US-style class actions
Sir Keir Starmer risks unleashing a wave of bogus class action lawsuits which could bankrupt British businesses under his workers’ plan, the Tories have warned.
The UK could become a “hostile business environment” with a dramatic rise in US-style class actions because of Labour’s New Deal for Working People, it has been suggested.
Policies which could lead to more claims include: a right to switch off which will see workers able to bring action if their bosses message them after 5pm, a right to demand flexible working on day one and a ban on zero hours contracts.
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A Conservative source said: “Labour's New Deal for Working People will unleash a wave of US style class-action lawsuits in the UK which could bankrupt British businesses.
“British firms will be forced to set aside millions to pay for legal fees where they wish to dispute elements of Labour's unclear plans for workers' rights.
“Hard left American lawfare is coming to the UK under lawyer Sir Keir Starmer.”
Over half of US Fortune 1000 companies face class action claims each year, with legal defence costs estimated to exceed $3.6 billion (£2.8 billion) in 2022.
UK companies are being warned that they will need to set aside significant sums of money for class actions if Labour wins the next election.
The UK cannot afford to create a more hostile business environment, campaigners have warned.
They said the next Labour Government must introduce a cap on the amount that class action law firms can take from claimants.
Labour has been contacted for a comment.