Shorter Reads

Landmark employment reforms to be abandoned

The Employment Bill was first promised in December 2019 and dubbed a ‘landmark’ piece of legislation.

1 minute read

Published 6 May 2022

Authors

Share

Key information

The Employment Bill was first promised in December 2019 and dubbed a ‘landmark’ piece of legislation. The first tranche of changes came into effect in early 2019, which included extending the right for workers to receive a written contract of their terms and conditions from day one of their engagement.

Since then many of the remaining provisions have been delayed with calls for the government to ensure that the Bill is given due time and attention this year in parliament, particularly given the mounting financial pressures on the most vulnerable.

However, the government has reportedly omitted the Employment Bill from the forthcoming Queen’s speech. It would have introduced new protections for the lowest paid requiring restaurants to hand over all service charges and tips to staff, introduced greater protection from discrimination for pregnant employees and given the right to request flexible working from the outset of employment. .

In a statement published on the GMB website, Acting General Secretary Warren Kenny is quoted saying:

“We have been fobbed off repeatedly by Ministers with promises to level up workers’ rights with an Employment Bill. Well, the Bill is still missing in action.

The Government promised to make the UK the best place in the world to work, while it is leaving bosses free to use nefarious tactics like fire and rehire with impunity.”

Only time will tell if and when this legislation is introduced with the timing influenced by various political and economic considerations.

Related latest updates
PREV NEXT

Related content

Arrow Back to Insights

Shorter Reads

Landmark employment reforms to be abandoned

The Employment Bill was first promised in December 2019 and dubbed a ‘landmark’ piece of legislation.

Published 6 May 2022

Associated sectors / services

  • Employment law for employees
  • Employment law for employers

Authors

The Employment Bill was first promised in December 2019 and dubbed a ‘landmark’ piece of legislation. The first tranche of changes came into effect in early 2019, which included extending the right for workers to receive a written contract of their terms and conditions from day one of their engagement.

Since then many of the remaining provisions have been delayed with calls for the government to ensure that the Bill is given due time and attention this year in parliament, particularly given the mounting financial pressures on the most vulnerable.

However, the government has reportedly omitted the Employment Bill from the forthcoming Queen’s speech. It would have introduced new protections for the lowest paid requiring restaurants to hand over all service charges and tips to staff, introduced greater protection from discrimination for pregnant employees and given the right to request flexible working from the outset of employment. .

In a statement published on the GMB website, Acting General Secretary Warren Kenny is quoted saying:

“We have been fobbed off repeatedly by Ministers with promises to level up workers’ rights with an Employment Bill. Well, the Bill is still missing in action.

The Government promised to make the UK the best place in the world to work, while it is leaving bosses free to use nefarious tactics like fire and rehire with impunity.”

Only time will tell if and when this legislation is introduced with the timing influenced by various political and economic considerations.

Associated sectors / services

  • Employment law for employees
  • Employment law for employers

Authors

Need some more information? Make an enquiry below.

    Subscribe

    Please add your details and your areas of interest below

    Specialist sectors:

    Legal services:

    Other information:

    Jurisdictions of interest to you (other than UK):

    Article contributors

    Enjoy reading our articles? why not subscribe to notifications so you’ll never miss one?

    Subscribe to our articles

    Message us on WhatsApp (calling not available)

    Please note that Collyer Bristow provides this service during office hours for general information and enquiries only and that no legal or other professional advice will be provided over the WhatsApp platform. Please also note that if you choose to use this platform your personal data is likely to be processed outside the UK and EEA, including in the US. Appropriate legal or other professional opinion should be taken before taking or omitting to take any action in respect of any specific problem. Collyer Bristow LLP accepts no liability for any loss or damage which may arise from reliance on information provided. All information will be deleted immediately upon completion of a conversation.

    I accept Close

    Close
    Scroll up
    Get In Touch Print this page
    Collyer Bristow
    ExpandNeed some help?Toggle

    < Back to menu

    I have an issue and need your help

    Scroll to see our A-Z list of expertise

    Get in touch

    Get in touch using our form below.