A brief reminder of the salient points of the King’s speech which took place on Wednesday 17 July. Labour’s manifesto of banning “exploitative practices” and enhance employment rights via their punchline is “Make work pay” is being processed as follows:
- Zero-hour contracts (“ZHC”) will soon be deemed unlawful. All workers will have a right to a contract that reflects the hours they regularly work.
- The practice whereby employers dismissed their employees and immediately re-engaged them on more unfavourable terms than before (commonly known as “fire and rehire” and “fire and replace”) will be legislated. We await further update.
- SSP will be a Day 1 right, and the Lower Earnings thresh-hold for entitlement is being removed.
- Flexible working will become a Day 1 right. Employers will be expected to accommodate their employees as far as is reasonable.
- Parental leave will become Day 1 rights for all employees.
- A woman is protected from dismissal for at least 6 months from the date of her baby’s birth.
- The law on minimum service levels in relation to industrial action is being repealed.
- The process of statutory recognition for trade unions is being simplified.
- Workers and union members will have a right to access a union within the workplace
Change appears to be imminent, and we await further information. Be sure to keep an eye out for updates!
If you would like further information or help with your employment matters, please do not hesitate to contact Courtney Stephenson on 01384 811811 or email at courtney.stephenson@waldrons.co.uk.
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