Employers urged to start planning for new workers’ rights

The team at Swindon-based HR Dept 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.

Employers shouldn’t panic, as many of the changes won’t take effect immediately, but forward planning will help businesses to prepare for a smooth transition.

Peter Jones, Director at the HR Dept Swindon, North Wiltshire and East Cotswolds, said, “These are going to be big changes for employers, but thankfully they are not imminent so there is time to consider and plan. 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 is not anticipated to be fully implemented before Autumn 2026.

Exploitative zero-hour contracts will also be abolished, and flexible working will become the default for employees. The waiting period and lower earnings limit of statutory sick pay (SSP) will be removed, and parental and bereavement rights will become effective 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.