The most extensive overhaul of workers’ rights in generations? The draft Employment Rights Bill 2024

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On 10 October 2024, the draft Employment Rights Bill 2024 (Bill) was laid before Parliament by the government.

The 28 new measures contained in the Bill (some only applying to the public sector) have been dubbed as the most substantial employment law changes for the past 30 years. The government’s aim is to boost pay, productivity and deliver economic security and growth to businesses, workers, and communities across the United Kingdom. For operators though, it will be an important time to review and adopt potentially quite different procedures and practices in their businesses.
The following key areas are likely to be introduced:

• Unfair dismissal will become a day one right, subject to a statutory nine-month probationary period.
• Paternity leave and parental leave will also become day one rights.
• Statutory Sick Pay can be claimed from first day of sickness absence.
• Employers will have less scope to refuse flexible working.
• Sexual harassment rules.
• Right to guaranteed hours contracts for zero and low hours workers who regularly work more hours will be granted.
• ‘Fire and re-hire’ controls will be introduced.
• Redundancy rules.
• Gender pay gap and menopause rules.
• New mothers and pregnant women will have enhanced protections.
• Trade union laws are being amended.

Heather Lunney and Jo Dawson-Gerrard go through the key areas for operators, explain some of the terms and outline what operators need to be thinking about to not fall foul of the impending legislation.
Read more: https://backhousejones.co.uk/employment-rights-bill-2024/
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Website: backhouses.co.uk