Workers' rights: Sick pay and parental leave part of major overhaul

Published On Oct 9, 2024, 7:03 PM

The UK government is planning a significant overhaul of workers' rights through an Employment Rights Bill, introducing measures that aim to enhance protections for employees. Key changes include removing the two-year qualifying period for unfair dismissal protections, ensuring statutory sick pay is provided from the first day of illness, and granting eligibility for unpaid parental leave from day one of employment. The bill consists of 28 measures to be rolled out by autumn 2026, and it chiefly aims to address issues around zero-hour contracts and the controversial practice of 'fire and rehire'. While unions welcome the changes, business groups express concern about the potential impact on hiring and operational costs.