What could a Labour government mean for employment rights?
What could a Labour government mean for employment rights?
Under the newly announced Labour government, it is important to understand the policies they have proposed and how it may affect you.
In the weeks leading up to the election, different employment rights policies highlighted the differences between parties. Under the newly announced Labour government, it is important to understand the policies they have proposed and how it may affect you.
Plan to ‘Make Work Pay’
Amongst expressions of distaste for how their predecessors had governed, this 24-page document set out plans for changing employment and trade union law, building on and modifying earlier policy proposals.
Labour’s New Deal for Working People is a core part of their Mission to grow Britain’s economy and raise living standards across the country, and they plan to start implementing policy in support of this within 100 days (about 3 and a half months) of entering office.
The Labour manifesto
The Labour manifesto addressed several key employment rights:
- Unfair dismissal protection: Employees will have the right to unfair dismissal protection from the first day they are employed.
- Fire-and-rehire restrictions: Dismissal and re-hire practices will face stricter controls.
- New enforcement body: The Fair Work Agency (FWA) will oversee workers' rights.
- Extended tribunal time limits: Time limits for bringing claims will extend from three to six months.
- National Living Wage: All adult workers will be entitled to this wage.
- Day-one Statutory Sick Pay: Eligibility starts immediately with no earnings requirement.
- Ban on unpaid internships: Only paid internships or those part of educational programs will be allowed.
- Zero-hours contract ban: Contracts must reflect the average hours worked.
- Employment status reform: Moving towards a single status of ‘worker’.
- Enhanced equal pay and anti-discrimination laws: Stronger protections and regulations.
- Default flexible working: From day one of employment.
Later in the manifesto, there are additional equality commitments (also mentioned in the ‘Make Work Pay’ plan, including:
- Bringing the public sector socio-economic duty in the Equality Act into force.
- Strengthening rights to equal pay and protection from maternity and menopause discrimination.
- Introducing ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting for larger employers.
While Labour have been vocal about their commitment to introduce an employment bill within 100 days of forming a new government, they have also reiterated their promise to “consult fully with businesses, workers, and civil society on how to put our plans into practice before legislation is passed”.
Based on this, some proposals could take years to implement. There is also employment legislation already in motion to consider, which has not yet been brought into force, but had cross-party support.
Your employment rights
Our team of employment lawyers boasts a diverse range of backgrounds, coming from various communities, enabling us to provide inclusive and tailored support. For those seeking guidance on claims, we foster an environment of understanding and empathy.
The employment law experts that make up our team will always approach your case with an impeccable understanding of the law no matter how turbulent times may seem.
For a consultation, you can call us on 0330 107 5051. Alternatively, you can contact us online and we’ll call you back at a time that suits you.