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ARTICLE · 02 DECEMBER 2024

Unpacking The Changes From Labour's Employment Rights Bill

Spencer West LLP
Spencer West LLP
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The UK Labour Government's Employment Rights Bill introduces major reforms to improve workplace conditions, including removing the two-year unfair dismissal qualifying period, enhancing protections for employees, and introducing flexible working as the default. A new Fair Work Agency will oversee enforcement.

United KingdomEmployment and HR
Simeon Spencer
Simeon Spencer

In a marked "sea change" from 14 years of Conservative Government, the Labour Government's Employment Rights Bill brings in a swathe of reforms aimed at correcting poor treatment in the workplace. As Angela Rayner says, the goal is to "raise the floor and end the race to the bottom".

The Bill, which amends the existing 1996 Employment Rights Act, introduces changes to employment law at both individual and collective levels. Consisting of 150 pages, it serves as the "bare bones" of the legislation, creating new laws and covering a broad spectrum of employment issues, with further regulations to be developed by the Secretary of State.

It is expected that a consultation period will operate over the next two years, but looking at what we know so far, here are five key takeaways from the Bill:

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