The government could "slow walk" its Employment Rights Bill as an "olive branch" to businesses in a bid to boost the economy, it has been reported.
Trade unions have voiced fears the bill - which will offer workers more protection against unfair dismissal and ban zero-hours contracts deemed "exploitative" - could be watered down in the coming weeks before becoming law.
The BBC reports an unnamed senior Labour MP told it the bill could be "slow walked", adding: ''Many Labour colleagues fear that with the economy under strain, ministers may be tempted to drag their feet on implementation as an olive branch to business.''
Christina McAnea, general secretary of Unison, the UK's largest trade union, said it was concerned it had lost a strong advocate for workers' rights in Angela Raynor, along with other movements in Starmer's cabinet reshuffle.
She told the BBC: "It's very significant and very worrying that they've been moved.
"It doesn't send out a very good message that the people who were absolutely committed to driving through the employment rights bill are no longer doing those jobs.
"No names are coming forward that really fill me with confidence that the party is still committed and the government is still committed to taking this through."