It is now expected to be published in 2021, Parliamentary time permitting, and the measures are wide-ranging, several originating from the Good Work Plan back in 2018. The headlines of the Bill are outlined below for information and to provide a long view. We have, as yet, no timings or details for implementation although it is unlikely to be published before the current vaccination programme is more widespread, lockdown is easing, and some 'normality' is returning.
Right to request a more predictable and stable contract after 26 weeks’ service
This measure is to address the unpredictability of zero-hours contracts and the vulnerability zero-hours workers often feel. Early commentary on this measure intimated that the process may be like that of requesting flexible working practices, but this has not been confirmed.
Longer redundancy protection for pregnant employees
Under current legislation, pregnant employees are given protections against redundancies for the duration of their maternity leave. Under the Bill, this protection period would be extended to the date employees notify their employer of their pregnancy until six months after their return to work.
Extended leave for parents of children in neonatal care
We understand that the Government intends to introduce the right for parents to take an additional week of leave for every week their baby is in need of neonatal care, up to a maximum of 12 weeks. The leave will be added to the end of the parent’s maternity or paternity leave.
Carers’ leave
The Government consulted in March 2020 on the proposal to introduce a new right for employees with caring responsibilities to take a week’s unpaid leave each year. The consultation sought views on eligibility, the purpose of the leave and notification details. No government response has been issued as yet.
Single labour market enforcement
The aim of this body is to ensure that vulnerable workers are better informed of their rights and to support businesses in compliance. The Government of the day consulted on this body in 2019 but this Government has yet to respond.
Payment of tips and service charges
The Bill provides that all tips and service charges go to workers and the distribution be supported by a statutory code.
For further information in relation to any of the above, please contact your relevant ACS contact or Jackie Morris.
Dementia currently affects 1 in 14 people in the UK. Many people will either know someone with dementia, have had to support and care for someone with dementia or have been diagnosed themselves.
The 2022 Code replaces the NHF Code of Conduct 2012 (the 2012 Code) and sets out the baseline standards that the NHF expects of its member registered providers (RPs).
The High Court has dismissed a challenge by the Police Superintendents’ Association to the closure of legacy public sector pension schemes.
In my recent blog, I said that we would be issuing a series of ebriefings and blogs highlighting issues with the Procurement Bill. This is the first of these.
Contractors and delivery partners are facing a ‘perfect storm’ in many cases with a number of factors directly impacting upon the profitability of their work.
Worker status, like Piers Morgan, is one of those things that we think has gone away and then it pops up again!
We are seeing a steady trickle of decisions focused around the issue of flexible working requests or employer requirements for changes to working patterns (both pre and post the pandemic).
For those of us who have endured a choppy cross channel journey, the mention of P&O Ferries will invoke some nauseous memories.
Successive generations have witnessed seismic shifts in the workplace; post-war it was the return of the soldiers and the impact on working women who had to work in their place.
In this podcast, Puja Desai interviews Kimberley Foster and discusses her experience with counselling. This is a really helpful podcast for anyone who has thought about counselling.