Dear Letters Editor,

Last week, I wrote to Horsham MP John Milne requesting a meeting with him following the second reading of the Employment Bill. I noted that he, along with every other Liberal Democrat MP, failed to support this ground-breaking piece of legislation. This bill will provide employment rights from day one for all workers, beginning the process of rebalancing the world of work in favour of the employee – a change that will benefit so many of John Milne’s constituents.

Notably, the legislation includes a commitment to improve access to Statutory Sick Pay by removing the Lower Earnings Limit and the waiting period. This will significantly benefit many workers who currently face the choice of going to work sick or losing three days’ pay.

I eagerly await the opportunity to discuss in person with our MP why he feels unable to support this flagship legislation, which is poised to have such a positive impact on so many of his constituents.

John Milne has acknowledged on a number of occasions that there were many voters who ‘ lent ‘ him their votes at the general election . Many of these  were Labour Supporters who  voted tactically in order to bring an end to a Tory government whose ideological driven employment policies has resulted in stalled wages,  insecure work, high levels of inequality,  with working people struggling to make ends meet. These voters wanted to see that situation change. We are sure that they will be hugely disappointed to learn that their  desire for change was not apparently shared by the the MP they elected.

David Hide

Chair Horsham Labour Party