Louise Haigh MP: Largest overhaul to workers’ rights in a generation in the first 100 days of government 

In the first 100 days of government, Labour have fired the gun on the biggest transformation to workers’ rights in a generation.

The Employment Rights Bill, introduced into parliament yesterday (10 October), will update and modernise outdated legislation as part of a broader commitment to kickstart economic growth, benefitting both working people and businesses. 

For for too long, thousands of workers haven’t had a voice, Labour will boost workers’ rights and level the playing field between workers and businesses.

Workers’ will feel the benefit of this landmark legislation. By banning exploitative zero and low hour contracts, those currently on zero-hour contracts will have a new right to a guaranteed hours contract and payment for cancelled and delayed shifts.

Employees will have greater job security by the closing of legal loopholes to end unethical ‘fire-and–rehire’ practices, which presently leave employees worse off at the hand of an employer. 

The Government will also scrap the deeply unfair ‘2 year rule’ for unfair dismissal, meaning nine million employees will have greater protection against unfair dismissal and will be able to bring a claim against their employer as a day-one right. 

The Bill will benefit families and carers by making sure they are supported with work and other responsibilities such as child care. This will be an immediate change by making flexible working the default, so that working from home and adjustable work hours are taken into consideration. 

This Bill will also strengthen the safety net of Statutory Sick Pay, meaning that employees that are unable to work will receive Statutory Sick Pay from day one, rather than the fourth day and remove the lower earnings limit which is impacting the lowest incomes.

Louise Haigh, MP for Sheffield Heeley, said:

“Within the first 100 days of Labour being in power, we have introduced legislation which will mean the biggest upgrade to rights at work in a generation ensuring that work will pay for millions across the country. 

“This Bill won’t just give working people the security they deserve but is the first step in our plan to improve productivity and economic growth across the country.”