On Thursday 10 October, the government unveiled its Employment Rights Bill. The legislation, which will now begin its journey through the House of Commons, would be the biggest expansion in workers’ rights in a generation.
As Labour has a majority of 174, it is very likely to become law.
It includes:
- The repeal of the Minimum Service Levels Act 2023 and the Trade Union Act 2016
- Day-one rights for paternity leave, sick leave, and unfair dismissal protection
- The right to regular hours for many workers currently on zero hours contracts
- The banning of fire and rehire unless a company is about to go bust
- The right to request flexible working arrangements
- The removal of lower rates of minimum wage for younger workers
- A Fair Work Agency to act as an enforcer
Speaking as the Bill was published, FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said that it was a “very significant extension of workers’ rights” and “a huge victory for the FBU and other unions that have been at the forefront of campaigning to ensure that Labour’s New Deal for Working People is fully delivered.”
He continued: “The lives of firefighters and other public sector workers will be immeasurably improved by the new rights to bereavement leave and parental leave from day one of employment.”
Attention will now turn to the Bill’s passage through parliament. Unions will ensure that workers’ voices are represented, including with amendments if necessary.
Wrack said: “There must be no delay in the full implementation of this hugely welcome package. “That must also be reflected in pay offers to firefighters and other public sector workers in the Budget later this month.”
