“Fears have also been raised of pubs stopping punters from speaking on contentious issues in case if offends bar staff Jack Elsom, Chief Political Correspondent Published: 0:01, 16 Apr 2025 Updated: 0:02, 16 Apr 2025 FOOTBALL fans could be stopped from shouting “Are you blind?” at refs under Labour’s “banter ban”, a peer has warned.”, — write: www.thesun.co.uk
- Jack Elsom, Chief Political Correspondent
- Published: 0:01, 16 Apr 2025
- Updated: 0:02, 16 Apr 2025
Lord Young fears the Employment Rights Bill will threaten free speech as bosses would be liable to be sued by their staff for any harassment.
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There are fears over Angela Rayner’s Employment Rights BillCredit: AFPHe said it could mean a partially-sighted steward could take a club to court if offended by chants.
He added: “It would force clubs to insist on absolute silence during matches.”
Angela Rayner’s law makes bosses liable for failing to take “all reasonable steps” to prevent an “intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment” for people with a protected characteristic like a disability.
Fears have also been raised of pubs stopping punters from speaking on contentious issues in case if offends bar staff.
Ministers have categorically denied that the sweeping legislation will impose curbs on offensive remarks.
A government spokesman told The Times: “The Employment Rights Bill will not affect anyone’s right to lawful free speech, which this government stands firmly behind.
“Upsetting remarks do not fall within the definition of harassment.
“We are strengthening workplace protections to tackle harassment and protect employees from intimidating and hostile abuse as well as sexual harassment.”
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Shouting ‘Are you blind?’ at footie refs could be banned under new Labour lawsCredit: GettyUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.