The UK government is proposing a bill to provide employment rights from day one, including sick and maternity pay and protection against unfair dismissal, affecting over 7 million workers. This is seen as a significant update in employment rights, aiming to improve job quality and living standards. Additionally, Labour supports further provisions, such as immediate maternity pay rights, with this bill marking a significant change in UK worker benefits.
The UK government is set to introduce a landmark bill granting employees sick pay, maternity pay, and protection against unfair dismissal from the first day of their employment.
Expected next week, this legislation marks a 'once-in-a-generation' reform as part of a plan to improve living standards across the UK.
The bill, welcomed by workers’ representatives like Nicola Smith from the Trades Union Congress, aims to provide better rights for over 7 million employees and includes new measures for parental and sick leave.
Critics note the absence of a statutory 'right to switch off,' though companies are encouraged to create communication guidelines.
With Labour backing, the reforms include immediate maternity pay entitlements and enhanced protection for returning mothers, along with reduced probation periods to six months.