The General Election 2024

On 10 October 2024, the government unveiled the Employment Rights Bill aimed at enhancing economic security and growth for businesses, workers, and communities across the UK. 

This bill introduces 28 employment reforms, including the elimination of exploitative zero-hours contracts and fire-and-rehire practices. It also establishes day-one rights for paternity, parental, and bereavement leave for millions of workers.

Additionally, statutory sick pay will be strengthened by removing the lower earnings limit for all workers and eliminating the waiting period before sick pay begins.

The following slides will provide a brief overview of these proposals. However, it’s important to note that these are still proposals, and the government has yet to provide details on the implementation timeline and enforcement mechanisms for these new rights.

Ensuring fair pay and compensation

The government plans to abolish age bandings for the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and enforce NMW laws that include compensation for travel time.

In the adult social care sector, the introduction of Fair Pay Agreements aims to standardise wages, ensuring that all workers receive equitable pay.

Additionally, certain unpaid internships are set to be banned, reflecting a commitment to fair labour practices across all sectors.

Strengthening worker rights and flexibility

A major shift is proposed in the realm of zero-hours contracts, with measures to ban ‘one-sided’ flexibility. Workers on zero-hours contracts will gain the right to a regular contract that reflects the hours they’ve actually worked, alongside compensation for cancelled shifts.

Furthermore, self-employed individuals may soon have the right to a written contract, enhancing their legal protections.

Enhancing worker autonomy and work-life balance

The government is also proposing a ‘right to disconnect,’ aimed at protecting workers from the pressures of remote surveillance and ensuring a healthy work-life balance.

Flexible working is set to become the default option from day one of employment, except where it is not reasonably feasible. This will be a significant change for employers, requiring adjustments to accommodate varying work patterns.

Additionally, the introduction of bereavement leave and the exploration of paid carer’s leave underline a commitment to supporting employees through personal challenges.

Promoting equality and safety in the workplace

A strong emphasis has been placed on creating safe and inclusive workplaces. Employers will be required to ensure their workplaces are free from harassment, with new liabilities introduced for third-party harassment.

Large firms (with more than 250 employees) will also need to develop Menopause Action Plans and publish ethnicity and disability pay gaps, promoting greater transparency and accountability.

Furthermore, simplifying the enforcement of equal pay laws aims to close gender and other pay gaps more effectively.

Protecting employment rights and enhancing legal protections

In a bid to strengthen employee protections, the government intends to remove qualifying periods for unfair dismissal, sick pay, and parental leave, making these rights more universally accessible.

Additional measures include reinforcing protections for pregnant workers, whistle-blowers, and those involved in redundancy or TUPE processes.

The government also plans to eliminate the current distinction between employees and workers, simplifying the legal landscape.

New enforcement mechanisms will be introduced to combat unfair practices like fire and rehire, and union recognition processes will be streamlined, with increased protections for trade union representatives.

Extending legal timeframes and supporting worker wellbeing

Finally, the government is looking to extend the time limit for bringing Employment Tribunal claims to six months, providing workers with more time to seek justice.

There is also a renewed focus on supporting the long-term physical and mental wellbeing of workers, recognising the vital role that employers play in fostering a healthy workforce.