In the first state opening of parliament since Keir Starmer became prime minister, King Charles outlined Labour’s plans to “make work pay”, stating that the government would “legislate to introduce a new deal for working people to ban exploitative practices and enhance employment rights”. This will form the new UK Employment Rights Bill, which, while subject to the specific provisions included, will generally aim to enhance worker protections, improve job security, and ensure fair treatment across various aspects of employment. While full details of the Bill are yet to be revealed, in our latest blog, Katrina Nielsen (Managing Consultant, Legal & Governance) outlines some key aspects and their potential implications for job seekers:
Flexible Working Rights
Day-One Right to Request Flexible Working: Job seekers would have the right to request flexible working arrangements from the first day of employment. This could include remote work, flexible hours, or part-time options, making it easier for job seekers to balance work with personal commitments.
Protection Against Unfair Dismissal
Extended Protection: The bill may extend protections against unfair dismissal, ensuring that job seekers are less vulnerable to arbitrary termination. This offers greater job security and encourages a fairer work environment.
Support for Working Parents and Carers
Enhanced Parental Leave: Job seekers who are parents could benefit from increased parental leave rights, including more generous maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave provisions.
Carer's Leave: Introduction of statutory carer's leave would support job seekers with caregiving responsibilities, allowing them to take time off to care for dependents without fear of losing their job.
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Fairer Treatment and Non-Discrimination
Strengthened Anti-Discrimination Laws: Enhanced protections against discrimination in the workplace could mean stricter enforcement and greater recourse for job seekers who face unfair treatment based on gender, race, disability, or other protected characteristics.
Transparency in Pay: Measures to ensure pay transparency may help address wage disparities and ensure fair compensation practices.
Rights for Gig Economy and Contract Workers
Employment Status Clarity: The bill might provide clearer definitions of employment status, offering more rights and protections to gig economy workers and those on zero-hour contracts. This could include rights to holiday pay, sick leave, and minimum wage guarantees.
Workplace Health and Safety
Improved Standards: Strengthening workplace health and safety standards would benefit job seekers by ensuring safer working environments. This might include updated regulations and more stringent enforcement.
Training and Development
Access to Training Programs: Job seekers may have more opportunities for skill development and training programs, enhancing their employability and career prospects. The bill could include provisions for government-funded training initiatives or employer obligations to provide training.
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Whistleblower Protections
Enhanced Protections: Strengthening protections for whistleblowers would encourage job seekers to report unethical or illegal practices without fear of retaliation, contributing to more ethical workplace environments.
Employment Tribunal Reforms
Easier Access to Justice: Reforms to the employment tribunal system could make it easier and quicker for job seekers to resolve disputes with employers, ensuring that their rights are upheld in a timely manner.
Overall, the new UK Employment Rights Bill is designed to create a fairer, more secure, and supportive employment landscape, making it beneficial for job seekers by providing them with stronger rights and protections as they enter the workforce.
To discuss working with Katrina to grow your team, or to find a new role, within the Legal & Governance sectors, email knielsen@jarsolutions.co.uk.
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