Employers urged to start planning for new workers’ rights

HR experts are urging employers to start putting plans in place, following the unveiling of the Government’s new Employment Rights Bill.

The sweeping changes cover everything from zero-hours contracts and statutory sick pay to unfair dismissal and flexible working.

The team at Swindon-based HR Dept say employers shouldn’t panic, as many of the changes won’t take effect immediately.

“These are going to be big changes for employers, but thankfully they are not imminent so there is time to consider and plan,” said Peter Jones, Director at the HR Dept Swindon, North Wiltshire, and East Cotswolds.

“We recommend employers start to review the planned changes as soon as they can and talk to an HR professional for specific guidance.”

Changes include rules over unfair dismissal, which will be active from day one, rather than the current two year qualifying period. This isn’t expected to be fully implemented any sooner than Autumn 2026.

Exploitative zero-hour contracts will be abolished, and flexible working will become the default for employees. The waiting period and lower earnings limit of statutory sick pay (SSP) is to be removed. Parental and bereavement rights will become a right from day one.

In other changes, trade union laws will be softened to make it easier to join a trade union. The remit for the Low Pay Commission will take account of cost of living in the Minimum Wage, and age bands will be scrapped.

For advice about preparing for the Employment Rights Bill and more information about the HR Dept Swindon, North Wiltshire and East Cotswolds, visit https://www.hrdept.co.uk/swindon-north-wiltshire-east-cotswolds/, email [email protected] or call 01793 683 398.