The Government is set to introduce new rights for workers with the Employment Rights Bill, which is being hailed as a significant boost to pay and productivity in the workplace. The focus of the Bill is to ban exploitative practices like zero-hours contracts and fire and rehire tactics, which will benefit millions of workers across the country. Unions have praised these measures as a positive shift away from a low-pay, low-productivity economy that was prevalent under the previous Conservative government.
With 28 separate changes outlined in the Bill, the majority of them are not expected to be implemented until the autumn of 2026. Some additional measures, such as the right to “switch off” at the end of the working day, will be further considered and consulted upon in a document called Next Steps. The government has emphasized that these changes are necessary to address the economic challenges inherited from the previous administration.
Key provisions of the Employment Rights Bill include the removal of the two-year qualifying period for protections against unfair dismissal. This change will benefit nine million workers who have been with their employer for less than two years. Additionally, new statutory rights for paternity, parental, and bereavement leave will be established, along with the payment of statutory sick pay from the first day of illness.
Flexible working will become the default position for employees where practical, and large employers will be required to create action plans to address gender pay disparities. On the issue of zero-hours contracts, employers will now need to offer guaranteed hours contracts based on a 12-week reference period. Workers on zero-hours contracts will also be entitled to a reasonable number of shifts and financial compensation for canceled or shortened shifts.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds have both expressed their support for the Bill, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving workplace conditions and driving up productivity. Trade union leaders, including Gary Smith from GMB and Mick Lynch from the Rail, Maritime and Transport union, have welcomed the reforms as a significant step towards giving workers the rights they deserve after years of neglect under Conservative rule.
Overall, the Employment Rights Bill represents a shift towards a more equitable and secure working environment for employees, with a focus on boosting pay, productivity, and overall well-being. The government’s efforts to modernize workplace laws and promote cooperation between trade unions, employers, and government are seen as crucial steps towards building a stronger and more sustainable economy that benefits all working people.
