The infiltration of extremist ideologies, particularly from the far right, into various sectors such as hospitals, schools, and prisons, has raised concerns, according to the newly appointed TUC President, Steve Gillan. Gillan has pledged to combat the alarming spread of hate propagated by these groups. With over 5.5 million workers represented by the Trades Union Congress, Gillan emphasizes the need for collective action in 2026 to confront this escalating issue and urges the government to address its underlying causes.
In an exclusive interview with the Mirror, Gillan highlighted the growing influence of figures like Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, along with external interference and the impact of far-right influencers on social media. He expressed worry over the shift towards extremist views within the workforce, citing surveys conducted by some trade unions indicating a significant portion of members leaning towards supporting Reform UK.
Gillan underscored the perilous nature of the rise of far-right sentiments in workplaces, stressing the importance of decisive action to counter this trend. He pointed out that the influence of right-wing activists and influencers, coupled with economic challenges like housing insecurity and job instability, has contributed to the appeal of extremist narratives among certain demographics.
Drawing parallels to historical events like Nazi Germany, Gillan cautioned against allowing such ideologies to gain traction. He emphasized the need for proactive measures to combat misinformation, promote inclusivity, and address the root causes driving individuals towards far-right beliefs.
As part of his mission to safeguard communities and workplaces, Gillan outlined the TUC’s commitment to combating racism and collaborating with anti-hate organizations. He called for a concerted effort to challenge far-right ideologies, dispel misinformation, and prioritize issues such as housing, employment, and healthcare to counter the narratives exploited by extremist groups.
Gillan concluded by emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between patriotism and harmful nationalism, urging a collective effort to uphold values of unity and inclusivity. He expressed optimism in the resilience of communities pushing back against divisive narratives and pledged to continue advocating against the rise of far-right extremism for the betterment of society and the workforce.