The Employment Rights Bill: What employers need to know

The employment law landscape in the UK is expected to see substantial updates following the Government’s announcement on 10 October 2024, and the introduction of the Employment Rights Bill. This new Bill is the first phase of Labour’s ‘Plan to Make Work Pay’, intended to enhance employee protections, expand flexible working options, and refine various leave policies.

It’s important that employers are up to speed with the potential legislative changes so they can be prepared for the future.

• Protection from unfair dismissal from day one
• Guaranteed hours to end the use of zero-hour contracts
• Protection against ‘fire and re-hire’ practices
• Strengthening day one rights to request flexible working
• Enhancing sick pay, parental, and other leave rights
• Increasing collective redundancy requirements
• Changing gender equality and reporting obligations
• What’s missing from the Bill, and ‘Next Steps’

The ebook also explores the new Bill in context, highlighting key areas of risk and providing practical steps to help minimise your exposure and protect your business.

Even though many of the changes won’t come into force immediately, employers should begin reviewing and updating their policies, employee handbooks, and payroll processes now to accommodate these amendments. Additionally, HR professionals will need to educate managers and supervisors on these adjustments.

These changes reflect the evolving landscape of employee rights in the UK, with an emphasis on enhancing work-life balance and ensuring fair treatment across all types of employment. For businesses, proactively adapting to these requirements will ease the transition and help foster a more supportive workplace environment.