Employment Rights Bill | HR experts react as Gov unveils major reforms to workers' rights

The Labour government has unveiled its long-anticipated Employment Rights Bill, bringing sweeping reforms aimed at reshaping workplace protections and workers' rights across the country. 

Ministers say the new bill will help deliver economic security and growth to businesses, workers and communities across the UK.

This legislation, grounded in Labour's "Make Work Pay" agenda, the bill will bring forward 28 individual employment reforms, from ending exploitative zero hours contracts and fire and rehire practices to establishing day one rights for paternity, parental and bereavement leave for millions of workers. Statutory sick pay will also be strengthened, removing the lower earnings limit for all workers and cutting out the waiting period before sick pay kicks in.

Accompanying this will be measures to help make the workplace more compatible with people’s lives, with flexible working made the default where practical. Large employers will also be required to create action plans on addressing gender pay gaps and supporting employees through the menopause, and protections against dismissal will be strengthened for pregnant women and new mothers. This is all with the intention of keeping people in work for longer, reducing recruitment costs for employers by increasing staff retention and helping the economy grow.