The Employment Rights Bill changes obligations for employers across the UK, but some smaller businesses may still not be up to speed with its requirements. Here’s what you need to know.
Who is affected by the employment rights bill?
From small retailers in London to SME accountants Bristol, like https://chippendaleandclark.com/accountants-near-me/bristol, the Employment Rights Bill gives workers new rights and protections in their employed roles.
What are the main points of the Employment Rights Bill?
The bill gives these protections to employees:
- Day-one rights, which means they are protected from unfair dismissal from the first day they begin employment.
- Statutory initial period to be replaced by the existing two-year service period to 9 months, with a lighter-touch process for dismissal.
- Guaranteed hours of work after 12 weeks, to get rid of minimum-hour or zero-hour contracts
- Notice and pay for any cancellations of shifts at late notice
- Protection against sexual harassment, including third parties such as customers and clients.
- Whistleblowing protection, which will now include reporting sexual harassment.
- Removal of the lower earnings limit for Statutory Sick Pay
- Enhanced family rights, including day-one paternity leave and bereavement leave
- Mandatory action plans to address the gender pay gap and menopause.
- Firing and hiring practices to be banned.
These new rights will require employers to update their procedures and policies, including paperwork and contracts, to ensure everything is clearly documented and all provisions are met. The new Bill is in force now, and plenty of guidance is available to help businesses comply.
