Employment law changes expected within 100 days
We have been waiting eagerly to hear more from Labour about what changes to expect in employment law and HR over the coming months.
On 17th July 2024, His Majesty, the King gave his speech to Parliament.
The King stated:
“My Government is committed to making work pay and will legislate to introduce a new deal for working people to ban exploitative practices and enhance employment rights [Employment Rights Bill]. It will seek to establish the appropriate legislation to place requirements on those working to develop the most powerful artificial intelligence models. Legislation on race equality will be published in draft to enshrine the full right to equal pay in law [Draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill].”
There is more detail in the Government’s background briefing notes.
The changes that we can expect include those set out in the Plan to Make Work Pay such as:
- Banning exploitative zero-hours contracts;
- Ending scourges of “Fire and Rehire” and “Fire and Replace”
- Making parental leave, sick pay and protection from unfair dismissal available from day 1 for all workers – this represents a radical change to current legislation and will involve dramatic changes for employers;
- Improving statutory sick pay;
- Improving protection for new mothers – making it unlawful to dismiss for 6 months after return;
- Fair Work Agency to be created to strengthen enforcement of workplace rights
- Fair pay agreement in adult social care sector;
- Reinstate School Support Staff negotiating Body;
- Updating trade union legislation; and
- Simplifying recognition of unions.
Enhancing Day 1 rights for workers and employees will mean drastic changes to existing employer policies and processes.
How can Ellis Jones help?
As a result of the scope and breadth of the changes that could be ahead in as little as 3 months, it is crucial that employers stay up to date and review policies and staff training. If you feel that you would benefit from assistance with updating your policies, navigating the new legislation and the practical impacts this could have on your business, or any other employment law or HR matter, please do contact us on 01202 525333 or by email at employment@ellisjones.co.uk, one of our team would be very happy to assist you.
We also run a monthly, free HR forum in conjunction with Rubicon People, it is free to join and an invaluable way to stay up to date with changes to employment law and HR. If you would like to attend, place contact employment@ellisjones.co.uk
How can we help?
When you submit this form an email will be sent to the relevant department who will contact you within 48 hours. If you require urgent advice please call 01202 525333.