Major reforms in employment rights announced by UK Government

Following commitments in their election manifesto, the UK government is today (10^th October 2024) introducing the Employment Rights Bill to Parliament. The press release accompanying the new Bill states its purpose is to upgrade workers’ rights, improve working conditions, and benefit both businesses and employees.

Here are the key highlights from the release:

• Removal of two-year qualifying period: Protections from unfair dismissal will apply from day one of employment.
• New statutory probation period: A consultation will take place to assess employee suitability and ensure rights from the start.
• Zero-hour contracts and fire and rehire practices: Legislation will end exploitative zero-hour contracts and unscrupulous fire and rehire practices.
• Day one rights: Establishment of paternity, parental, and bereavement leave from the first day of employment.
• Statutory Sick Pay: Strengthened provisions, including removing the lower earnings limit and the waiting period.
• Flexible working: Making the default, where practical, to create a more compatible work-life balance.
• Gender pay gaps and menopause support: Large employers required to create action plans.
• Pregnancy and maternity protections: Strengthened protections against dismissal for pregnant women and new mothers.
• Fair Work Agency: Establishment of a new body to enforce rights, such as holiday pay, and provide guidance to employers.

The UK Government has stated that these reforms ‘aim to drive economic growth, support secure employment, and ensure modern work laws benefit all parties involved’.

Our popular Employment Matters webinar returns later this month for a special edition, ‘Labour’s first 100 days in power: What has changed in employment law?’. The webinar will have a focus on the details of the new Employment Rights Bill, and will discuss the changes in more detail – including timelines and actions to help in preparing for what will be the biggest change in laws and practice affecting the workplace for decades.

The webinar is scheduled for Wednesday 23rd October 2024 from 8:45 – 10:00, and will be held online via Teams. Join us and many of our clients and contacts who have already signed up by registering via the following link: https://hubs.la/Q02GWNJm0.