The government has introduced the Employment Rights Bill, which aims to help deliver economic security and growth for businesses, workers, and communities across the UK.

This bill will bring forward 28 individual employment reforms, including ending exploitative zero-hours contracts and fire and rehire practices, as well as establishing day-one rights for paternity, parental, and bereavement leave for millions of workers. Statutory sick pay will be strengthened by removing the lower earnings limit for all workers and eliminating the waiting period before sick pay starts.

The current two-year qualifying period for protection from unfair dismissal will be abolished, ensuring that all workers are entitled to this protection from their first day on the job.

The government will also consult on introducing a new statutory probation period for new hires. This will allow companies to properly assess an employee’s suitability for the role, while reassuring employees that they have rights from day one.

The bill will put an end to exploitative zero-hours contracts, following research showing that 84% of zero-hours workers would prefer guaranteed hours. Workers on zero-hours and low-hours contracts will now have the right to a guaranteed hours contract if they work regular hours over a set period, providing them with financial security, while allowing flexibility for those who prefer zero-hours contracts.

The bill will also: • Change the law to make flexible working the default option for all, unless the employer can demonstrate it is unreasonable; • Set a clear standard for employers by introducing a new right to bereavement leave; • Strengthen protections for pregnant women and new mothers, including safeguarding them from dismissal while pregnant, on maternity leave, and for six months after returning to work; • Address low pay by considering the cost of living when setting the Minimum Wage and removing discriminatory age bands; and • Establish a new Fair Work Agency, which will consolidate government enforcement bodies, enforce holiday pay for the first time, and strengthen statutory sick pay.

For more information, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-unveils-most-significant-reforms-to-employment-rights