The new Labour government has outlined several significant changes to employment law in their manifesto.
Here are some of the key planned changes:
Workers’ Rights Charter: Labour plans to introduce a comprehensive Workers’ Rights Charter to enhance job security and workers’ rights. This includes measures such as the right to flexible working for all workers from day one of employment.
Four-Day Working Week: Labour has proposed transitioning to a four-day working week within a decade, with no loss of pay. This aims to improve work-life balance and boost productivity.
Minimum Wage Increase: The minimum wage would be increased, ensuring that all workers earn a living wage that meets the cost of living.
Ban on Zero-Hours Contracts: Labour intends to abolish zero-hours contracts to provide workers with more job security and guaranteed hours.
Stronger Trade Unions: The manifesto includes measures to strengthen trade unions, including giving them more power to negotiate better terms and conditions for their members.
Enhanced Parental Leave: Labour plans to improve parental leave entitlements, making them more generous and flexible to support working parents.
Worker Representation on Boards: Companies would be required to have worker representation on their boards, ensuring that employees have a say in company decisions.
Ending Unpaid Internships: Labour aims to end the practice of unpaid internships, ensuring that all internships are paid and accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford to work for free.
Equal Pay Audits: Labour would require companies to carry out equal pay audits to ensure that men and women are paid equally for the same work, and to address any pay gaps that exist.
Better Rights for Gig Economy Workers: The manifesto outlines plans to improve the rights of gig economy workers, including clearer definitions of employment status and better protections.
These proposed changes are aimed at creating a fairer and more equitable working environment for all employees.
