Hope not Hate TUC fringe meeting tackles the rise of Reform UK
PCS affiliate Hope not Hate hosted a TUC fringe meeting confronting the growing threat posed to workers by the far-right political party Reform UK.
The session brought together a panel of trade unionists and legal experts to examine how the labour movement can organise against the party’s reactionary agenda and its attempts to divide working-class communities.
Speakers included representatives from several trade unions who discussed questions submitted by members, with a focus on the industrial threats posed by Reform UK and the organising strategies union reps can use to fight back.
Thompsons Solicitors addressed Reform UK’s inflammatory proposals to sack council workers involved in diversity, inclusion, and green initiatives and made it clear that such attacks on public sector workers would not go unchallenged. Under existing employment law, these actions could trigger automatic unfair dismissal and discrimination claims. Thompsons stressed that while Reform UK may posture as anti-establishment, they are not above the law — and the trade union movement stands ready to defend its members.
The panel also warned of the dangers of unlawful local government restructures, which could be used to push through austerity-driven cuts and redundancies under the guise of reform. In such cases, unions have the power to demand judicial reviews and mobilise members to resist.
Attention turned to the Employment Rights Bill, currently moving through parliament. While the bill falls short of the transformative change unions are fighting for, it does offer some improvements to workers’ rights. Crucially, Reform UK has opposed the bill at every stage, exposing their anti-worker agenda. Despite their populist branding, the panel argued, Reform UK is a party of the rich — funded by millionaires, aligned with exploitative employers, and hostile to organised labour.
The meeting also focused on grassroots resistance. Union reps were urged to educate members about the real impact of far-right policies, challenge racism and scapegoating in the workplace, and use existing equality policies to defend inclusive values. Reps were also encouraged to celebrate industrial victories and build solidarity through community organising and resistance.
The message was clear: the rise of Reform UK is not just a political threat — it’s a class issue. Their agenda is designed to weaken collective power, divide workers, and roll back hard-won rights. Trade unions must meet this threat head-on, with political education, legal resistance, and mass mobilisation.
As the far right attempts to rebrand itself as a voice for the working class, meetings like this one at TUC Congress 2025 are a crucial reminder that only the organised labour movement can deliver real change — through strength in solidarity.
How you can get involved
PCS is urging members to attend the counter demonstration against the far right on 13 September
Join the PCS members' UK-wide SUTR WhatsApp group to stay informed, get organised, and mobilise.
Useful resources
PCS Safe and Secure Route Report
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