Employment Rights Bill

Lord Remnant Excerpts

Report stage
Monday 14th July 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Remnant (Con)]

My Lords, I support this amendment in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Hogan-Howe, and my noble friend Lord Evans. In doing so, I feel that I am following modestly in a family tradition. I suspect that the noble Lord is not aware that my great-grandfather in the other place introduced successfully, but against much opposition, a Bill guaranteeing members of the police force one day of rest, off duty, in every week. Until that date some 115 years ago, the police had no such entitlement. This amendment is less momentous than that Bill, but it is a proportionate suggestion that gives suitable recognition to voluntary service and strengthens policing. It should also find ready acceptance with employers, who would be able to fulfil their civic duties while suffering minimal disruption.

[Lord Bailey of Paddington (Con)]

My Lords, I support this amendment from the noble Lord, Lord Hogan-Howe. I want to come at it from a slightly different angle. This could be a vital piece to help the police with one of their weakest areas—representation in the community. I have been a youth worker for over 38 years now, and most of the most committed and professional people from my community already have employment so cannot join the police force, but they would love to be involved in representing our community in said police force to help the relationship between our community and the police force. This kind of initiative could be deeply helpful in allowing that to happen.