The new government has reconfirmed its commitment to banning ‘exploitative’ work practices through a new Employment Rights Bill in today’s King’s Speech. This is known as the New Deal for Working People.
While full details of what will be included in the Bill are yet to be announced, it is expected that it will cover the pledges made by Labour as part of the manifesto published during the election.Â
Key Commitments of the New Deal for Working People, as published on the Government website includes:Â
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1. Banning Exploitative Zero-Hour Contracts:Â
- Workers will have the right to a contract reflecting their regular working hours.Â
- Employers must provide reasonable notice for shift changes, with compensation for any cancellations or curtailments.Â
- This aims to end 'one-sided' flexibility, ensuring a baseline level of security and predictability for all jobs.Â
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2. Ending 'Fire and Rehire' Practices:Â
- Legal reforms will provide effective remedies against 'fire and rehire' tactics, replacing the previous inadequate statutory code.Â
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3. Immediate Parental Leave, Sick Pay, and Protection from Unfair Dismissal:Â
- These rights will be available from the first day of employment, although probationary periods for assessing new hires will still be permissible.Â
- Statutory Sick Pay will also be strengthened by removing the lower earnings limit and the waiting period, making it accessible to all workers.Â
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4. Default Flexible Working:Â
- Flexible working will become the default from day one, with employers required to accommodate it as far as is reasonable.Â
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5. Enhanced Protections for New Mothers:Â
- It will be unlawful to dismiss a woman who has had a baby for six months after her return to work, except in specific circumstances.Â
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6. Establishment of a Single Enforcement Body:Â
- A Fair Work Agency will be created to strengthen the enforcement of workplace rights.Â
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7. Fair Pay Agreement in Adult Social Care:Â
- A Fair Pay Agreement will be established, with potential expansion to other sectors following a review.Â
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8. Reinstatement of the School Support Staff Negotiating Body:Â
- This will set national terms and conditions, career progression routes, and fair pay rates for school support staff.Â
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9. Updated Trade Union Legislation:Â
- The legislation will be modernised to remove unnecessary restrictions on trade union activity, ensuring good faith negotiation and bargaining.Â
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10. Simplified Process for Statutory Recognition:Â
- A regulated route will be introduced to ensure workers and union members have a reasonable right to access a union within workplaces.Â
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