The Employment Rights Bill 2024 introduces crucial changes to worker protections across the UK. For employees, whether you're working full-time, part-time, or on a temporary basis, this new legislation enhances your rights to job security, flexibility, and fair treatment at work.
Here's the lowdown on the changes to the Employment Rights Bill for 2024:
Day-One Rights:
You now have immediate access to essential benefits from the first day of employment, including statutory sick pay, parental leave, and protection against unfair dismissal. This is a major shift, especially for temporary and agency workers who previously lacked these early-stage protections. Additionally, introducing a statutory probation period will help employers assess new hires more fairly while safeguarding your rights from day one.
Flexible Working:
A key highlight of the new law is making flexible working a default right for employees. You can now request to adjust your working hours or pattern to suit your personal or family needs. Employers must seriously consider your request and can only refuse it if there is a solid business reason. This change empowers workers to achieve a better work-life balance and promotes a more inclusive workforce.
Greater Security for Zero-Hours Workers:
If you're on a zero-hours contract, the Employment Rights Bill provides you with more stability. You can now request guaranteed hours if you have been working regular shifts over a specific period. This change reduces uncertainty for workers in previously unstable employment and encourages employers to offer more secure contracts.
Ban on Fire and Rehire:
The bill officially bans the widely criticized practice of "fire and rehire," where employers dismiss workers and rehire them under worse conditions. Employers must now follow a fair consultation process to renegotiate their contract terms. This reform helps ensure you are treated fairly and prevents sudden unfavourable changes to your employment terms.
Statutory Sick Pay from Day One:
The new legislation ensures that Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is available from your first day of work, without any waiting period, regardless of your earnings. This provides immediate financial support if you fall ill, especially beneficial if you are in temporary or early-stage employment.
How This Impacts You as an Employee
The Employment Rights Bill is designed to create a safer, more flexible, and equitable working environment for all employees. Whether you’re just starting a new job, working on a zero-hours contract, or balancing work with family commitments, these new rights offer you greater control over your work conditions, along with increased security.
What You Can Do:
- Submit Flexible Working Requests: If you want to change your hours or working pattern to fit your lifestyle, submit a formal flexible working request to your employer.
- Secure Guaranteed Hours: If you’re working regular shifts on a zero-hours contract, now is the time to ask your employer for guaranteed hours, giving you more certainty in your job.
- Stay Informed: Understanding your rights under this new legislation is crucial. Make sure you're aware of your protections, especially regarding sick pay and unfair dismissal.
By staying informed and taking action, you can make the most of the new protections and rights provided under the Employment Rights Bill 2024. This bill is a significant step forward in ensuring fair treatment, flexibility, and job security for all workers in the UK.
This article is a short breakdown of just a few of the reforms of the Employment Rights Bill. For more in-depth information, visit these sources:
What does the employment rights bill mean for you?
Employment Rights Bill 2024
Reforms to Employment Rights 2024