Tue, 01 Jul 2025

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 Workers face two-year wait for several new rights

Some measures within the Employment Rights Bill are not due to come into force until 2027.

* The government has delayed implementation of day-one protection for workers against unfair dismissal from 2026 to 2027.
* Other measures, including guaranteed flexible working and a ban on "exploitative" zero-hours contracts, will also be implemented in 2027.
* Some business groups have expressed concerns about the impact on firms, citing a "wave of disruptive changes" and potential costs of around £5bn.
* The government estimates that implementing the bill's measures could cost businesses around £5bn.
* Key measures to be implemented next year include: + Removing limits on statutory sick pay + Introducing new whistleblowing protections + Implementing day-one paternity leave and unpaid parental leave rights
* From October 2024, measures to be implemented will include: + Ending "unscrupulous" fire and rehire practices + Changes to the tipping law to ensure a fairer tip allocation
* The government has set out a roadmap for implementing the bill's measures, with further consultation planned.
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