Last week new UK Labour government’s legislative program was announced by King Charles III. It includes a wide-ranging and quietly radical Employment Rights Bill.
Why it matters: This bill implements Labour’s New Deal for Working People and introduces several significant changes to employment rights in the UK.
- Day 1 employment rights, including protection from unfair dismissal (with probationary periods).
- A ban on zero-hours contracts to ensure workers have contracts reflecting average hours worked and more security over shift scheduling.
- Restrictions on practices like ‘fire and re-hire’ and ‘fire and replace,’ where companies rehire employees on less favourable terms.
- Making flexible working the default from day 1, allowing employees to request flexible work arrangements.
The big picture: The bill also proposes the consolidation of all enforcement bodies into a new structure called The Fair Work Agency, reminiscent of Australia’s Fair Work Commission.
What’s next: The government plans to introduce the Bill into the Commons within 100 days. However, the consultation process with unions and employers remains uncertain.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Daily Telegraph analysis pieces labour workers rights and Labour’s plans to cost business 41bn.
- Employment Law plans of the new U.K. government will be explored at our upcoming London Networking Luncheon on July 31st next – book here
- You can also read Tom Hayes’ thoughts on the divergence between UK and EU employment and labour law in his Sunday Scribblings Substack

Tom Hayes
Director of European Union and Global Labor Affairs, HR Policy Association
Contact Tom Hayes LinkedIn