The new Employment Rights Bill introduced today aims to boost economic security and growth across the UK by addressing key issues in the labour market. Here are some of the main points:
- Unfair Dismissal Protections: The two-year qualifying period for protection from unfair dismissal will be removed, giving all workers these rights from day one.
- Statutory Probation Period: A new probation period will be introduced to help assess new hires’ suitability while ensuring they have rights from the start.
- Employment Reforms: The bill includes 28 reforms, such as ending zero hours contracts and fire and rehire practices, and establishing day one rights for paternity, parental, and bereavement leave.
- Statutory Sick Pay: Strengthened by removing the lower earnings limit and eliminating the waiting period before it kicks in.
- Flexible Working: Made the default where practical, to help balance work and personal life.
- Gender Pay Gap and Menopause Support: Large employers will need to create action plans to address these issues.
- Protections for Pregnant Women and New Mothers: Strengthened to keep more people in work longer.
- Fair Work Agency: A new body to enforce rights like holiday pay and support employers in complying with the law.
These measures aim to make the workplace more adaptable and supportive, ultimately helping to reduce staff shortages and improve economic growth.
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