Scots workers will benefit from a ban on zero-hour contracts in the biggest boost to workers’ rights in decades. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner also announced an end to unscrupulous “fire and rehire”, and employment rights from day one.
The protections will be policed by a Fair Work Agency. The Government’s Employment Rights Bill builds on a manifesto vow for greater security for staff across the UK.
The proposals contain 28 reforms following consultation with unions and business groups. Under the plan, millions of workers will qualify for protection against unfair dismissal from the first day of employment.
A new nine-month probationary period for workers is likely to be introduced, but it is understood this does not dilute the unfair dismissal right. Other day one rights include sick pay, paternity leave and unpaid parental leave. Workers are currently entitled to sick pay from day four, but this will be changed to the first day.
More than one million staff in the UK on zero-hour contracts can access guaranteed hours of work if wanted. A consultation on the proposals will run until 2026.
Other “day one rights” include paternity leave, unpaid parental leave and sickness pay. Workers are currently entitled to sick pay from day four, but this will be changed to the first day.
Flexible working will be the default for most workplaces if the package is pushed through and employers will be required to establish a policy for bereavement leave. A lengthy Government consultation on the plans will run until 2026 – the year of the Holyrood election.
Rayner said: “Our plans to make work pay will deliver security in work as the foundation for boosting productivity and growing our economy to make working people better off and realise our potential.”
The Deputy PM added: “This government is delivering the biggest upgrade to rights at work for a generation, boosting pay and productivity with employment laws fit for a modern economy. We’re turning the page on an economy riven with insecurity, ravaged by dire productivity and blighted by low pay.
“The UK’s out-of-date employment laws are holding our country back and failing business and workers alike. Too many people are drawn into a race to the bottom, denied the security they need to raise a family while businesses are unable to retain the workers they need to grow. We’re raising the floor on rights at work to deliver a stronger, fairer and brighter future of work for Britain.”
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