A significant advancement in workers’ rights is on the brink of becoming law as the House of Lords has resolved their disagreement over the proposed legislation.
The Employment Rights Bill, encompassing initial sick pay entitlements and a prohibition on exploitative zero hours contracts, faced opposition from Conservative and Liberal Democrats peers. However, the upper chamber passed the bill on Tuesday, paving the way for royal assent and the implementation of worker protections expected to take effect in April.
In response to the development, Keir Starmer expressed satisfaction, stating that the legislation represents a major enhancement of workers’ rights for the current generation. Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who championed the groundbreaking plan within the government, hailed it as the most significant improvement in work rights in years for the Labour government. Business Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized that the bill will modernize Britain’s employment laws, offering dignity and respect to millions of workers.
Key provisions of the bill include an end to ‘fire and rehire’ practices, which permit employers to dismiss employees and rehire them under inferior terms. It also seeks to eliminate exploitative zero hours contracts by granting rights to guaranteed hours, advance notice of shifts, and compensation for short-notice cancellations.
Additionally, the legislation will revoke anti-strike laws imposed by the Tories and introduce a new bereavement leave entitlement, encompassing pregnancy loss, to allow workers time off to grieve.
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak welcomed the development, emphasizing that workers will benefit from improved security, pay, and conditions following the bill’s approval by both the Commons and Lords. He stressed the importance of prompt and comprehensive implementation to ensure no room for exploitation by unscrupulous employers.
Unison general secretary Christina McAnea highlighted that the legislation signals a significant advancement in workers’ rights and called for its swift enforcement. She emphasized that good employers will not be adversely affected by the bill, while unethical practices will be curtailed.
The passage of the bill coincides with new research indicating a rise in workers seeking insecure jobs, such as delivery services, to make ends meet. The findings underscore concerns about uncertain hours, unpredictable pay, and emotional strain associated with such roles.
Demos, a think-tank, is urging the government to monitor non-employee workers, often on casual contracts, known as “Limb workers” in official statistics. They also advocate for extending parental leave and pay access to these vulnerable workers.
Polly Curtis, CEO at Demos, emphasized the need for policymakers to address the financial vulnerability of individuals not adequately captured in official employment figures, urging a more comprehensive approach to support those in precarious work situations.
