I am proud this Labour Government has delivered on its promise to introduce an Employment Rights Bill to Parliament within the first 100 days of our administration. This pivotal legislation has been welcomed by business, workers and unions and is a key component of Labour’s broader agenda to Make Work Pay, which will be transformational for working people across the country.
The Employment Rights Bill represents a vital first step in delivering Labour’s New Deal for Working People—the most significant uplift in workers’ rights for a generation. As this Bill progresses through the Parliamentary process over the coming months, it’s crucial that we focus on refining the small print and fine details to ensure there are no gaps or loopholes that unscrupulous employers might exploit to deny workers the rights the Bill promises.
This Bill is just one part of a comprehensive package of reforms that forms the New Deal for Working People. Labour has already taken steps to implement some of these reforms, including instructing the Low Pay Commission to consider the cost of living when setting the National Living Wage. However, our work doesn’t stop here; there are still critical commitments to fulfill beyond the Employment Rights Bill to fully deliver the New Deal.
The Employment Rights Bill marks the beginning of a transformative journey for the world of work. There are additional measures not included in this Bill that will be brought forward in the future, which are crucial to realizing our vision. These commitments include:
– A review of the parental leave system to better support working families within the first year of a Labour government.
– Ensuring that proposals for surveillance technologies undergo consultation and negotiation with trade unions.
– The most extensive wave of insourcing in a generation.
– Making social value mandatory in contract design and ensuring that trade union recognition and access are valued in public contract awards.
– Transitioning towards a single status of worker and simplifying the framework for employment status after comprehensive consultation.
– Extending rights and protections for the self-employed.
– Reviewing health and safety regulations with a view to modernizing legislation.
– Implementing commitments on equal pay, including the establishment of a regulatory and enforcement unit for equal pay.
– Banning unpaid internships.
– Introducing Disability and Ethnicity Pay Gap Reporting.
– Enacting the socio-economic duty from Labour’s Equality Act.
– Assessing how Fair Pay Agreements could benefit other sectors and address labour market challenges.
– Strengthening rights and protections for workers subject to TUPE processes.
Amanda Martin MP said:
“As the Member of Parliament for Portsmouth North, I am committed to ensuring that these vital reforms are realised, paving the way for a fairer, more equitable workplace for everyone. Together, we will continue to advocate for the rights of working people and ensure that Labour’s New Deal becomes a reality.”
