Yesterday (18 December) King Charles gave Royal Assent to the Employment Rights Act, which will see over 15 million people across the UK benefit from new worker protections, including those on the lowest pay and in the most insecure jobs.
New rights confirmed include day one paternity leave and parental leave, statutory sick pay, protections for pregnant workers, increased protection from unfair dismissal, an end to exploitative zero hours contracts and a new right to bereavement leave.
The Government said in a release that it will continue work with business and workers on how the new reforms are implemented, with changes introduced gradually over a two-year period.
New day one rights will now allow 32,000 more dads and partners each year to take paternity leave and 1.5m more parents to take unpaid parental leave. This will support working families to juggle the modern demands of work with raising children.
New statutory sick pay reforms mean up to 1.3m low paid employees will now be able to take time off when they’re sick without worrying about not being paid.
Employees who are going through the toughest personal circumstances will also be afforded dignity at work, with up to 2.7m employees a year to gain the right to the new bereavement leave entitlement.
The number of workers on zero hours contracts has risen over the past decade to over 1 million. These workers, who are often the lowest paid in society, will now benefit from new protections against exploitative contracts – ranging from the right to a contract that reflects the hours they work and to compensation if their shifts are cancelled at short notice.
And while people used to have to wait two years before being protected from unfair dismissal, they will now be entitled to this right six months after starting a new job.
The full list of reforms to be introduced can be found here.
Prime Minister, Keir Starmer (left), said of the news: “We’ve proved what a pro-business, pro-worker government can achieve – a modern framework for worker’s rights.
This Act sets in motion an increase in living standards, supporting productivity and importantly, more security and dignity for people in work. When we said we’d bring work into the 21st century, we meant it – and today we’ve delivered it.”
Secretary of State for Business & Trade, Peter Kyle (right), added: “This change is a vital part of creating and maintaining good jobs and fair pay. This government is championing responsible businesses, driving fair competition, and creating a future where hardworking people enjoy real security and opportunity.
“We will deliver this change in partnership with businesses, trade unions and civil society.”
Co-op Group CEO, Shirine Khoury-Haq (below left), also commented on the new Act. “Treating people fairly and with respect is a fundamental part of being a responsible employer.
“The Employment Rights Act will ensure that people can expect fair treatment at work, whoever their employer may be.
“When people feel valued, businesses are better placed to attract and retain the skills they need, benefiting workers, employers and the wider economy.”
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