Unions in the UK criticize a Reform UK proposal for new women’s legislation, saying it could reduce pay protections rather than strengthen them. The proposal, promoted by Nigel Farage as the “Women and Motherhood Protection Act,” is described by unions as a way to “restore equality before the law” that would nonetheless risk shifting back protections related to equal pay for work of equal value. The TUC general secretary characterizes the plan as a “smokescreen for slashing women’s rights,” adding that the timing of the announcement—shortly before the Makerfield byelection—is part of a broader political distraction. In reporting, the criticism also includes claims that the government’s proposed approach is misleading. Reform UK, meanwhile, presents the planned legislation as pro-family and supportive of women and motherhood, with some outlets framing it as an attempt to establish a more supportive legal framework for mothers. The dispute centres on whether the proposed act would improve enforcement and coverage of equal pay protections or instead weaken existing rights.