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Employment Rights Bill - Roadmap for Employers

📜 Employment Rights Bill: A Roadmap for UK Employers | Consensus HR in Herts & Beds

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📜 Employment Rights Bill: A Roadmap for UK Employers

The UK’s proposed Employment Rights Bill brings one of the most significant reforms in employment law in recent years. It aims to deliver a “New Deal for Working People”, enhancing employee protections while creating a fairer labour market.

At Consensus HR, we provide expert HR & Employment Law support to help businesses in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire prepare for change.

🧾 Key Employment Law Reforms

According to the official roadmap, the Employment Rights Bill will introduce:

1️⃣ Day-One Employment Rights

  • Protection against unfair dismissal from day one

  • Immediate eligibility for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and paternity leave

2️⃣ Fair Work Enforcement Agency

A new body to oversee compliance with employment law by combining existing agencies.

3️⃣ Ending Exploitative Practices

  • Regulation of zero-hour contracts

  • Ban on controversial “fire and rehire” tactics

4️⃣ Stronger Trade Union Rights

  • Easier recognition of trade unions

  • Better access to employees in the workplace

5️⃣ Flexible Working by Default

Employees will have the right to request flexible working from day one (subject to business grounds for refusal).

📅 Proposed Implementation Timeline

The Employment Rights Bill will be introduced in phases:

  • April 2025: Day-one rights, parental leave updates, and establishment of the Fair Work Agency

  • Late 2025–2027: Ban on fire-and-rehire, zero-hour contract reforms, flexible working rights, and trade union enhancements

Note: Some changes may be delayed due to consultation feedback and business community concerns.

💬 Comment from Matthew Chilcott – Consensus HR

“The Employment Rights Bill introduces a wide range of changes that will impact all businesses, especially SMEs. While the goal is a fairer workplace, these reforms bring added responsibility for employers. At Consensus HR, our role is to help businesses apply these changes correctly—reducing risk and supporting a productive, legally compliant workplace.”

“We strongly encourage employers to review their current HR practices and employment contracts now to avoid future issues.”

✅ What Employers Should Do Now

Here’s how to prepare for the changes:

  • 🔍 Review employee handbooks and contracts for compliance

  • 📋 Ensure dismissal procedures are fair and robust from day one

  • 🕒 Reassess use of zero-hour and casual contracts

  • 💼 Update your flexible working policies

  • 📣 Prepare for union engagement

  • 🤝 Seek expert HR advice before making policy changes

👥 How Consensus HR Can Help

We offer tailored HR support including:

  • 📄 Employment contract and policy reviews

  • 🔧 Documentation updates for new legal obligations

  • 👥 Redundancy & dismissal process support

  • 🧑‍🏫 Flexible working strategies

  • 📞 Ongoing retained HR support and training

👉 View Our Services

🔗 Useful Links

📞 Get in Touch

Is your business prepared for these changes?

Contact Consensus HR today for professional, jargon-free advice tailored to your business.

👉 www.consensushr.com | 📧 [email protected] | 📞 01438 576750

To view more about our range of HR & Employment Law Services

At Consensus HR, we are proud to offer a wide range of HR & Employment Law services to help our clients with all areas of best practice and Employment Law which can be found by clicking on the button:
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Are you concerned about keeping your business up to date with Employment Law changes?

If your business always wishes that it works in all areas to the benefit of the team and company and as an employer of choice, give us a call or email now for a non-obligatory chat. Consensus HR | Your Outsourced Human Resources and Employment Law Department | “Helping companies take the pain out of managing people whilst Preventing People Problems.” 01438 576750
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Your Outsourced Human Resources (HR) Department.

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Employment Rights Bill Amendments

Employment Rights Bill Amendments | Consensus HR in Herts & Beds

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Employment Rights Bill Amendments: What Employers Need to Know:

By Matthew Chilcott, Owner, Consensus HR

The UK Government has made amendments to the Employment Rights Bill, which the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) believes provide greater clarity on key aspects, such as Statutory Sick Pay and collective consultations. While these updates offer some much-needed detail to help businesses prepare, concerns remain about the feasibility of certain provisions—particularly regarding zero hours contracts and trade union recognition.

At Consensus HR, we always stress the importance of well-structured employment legislation that benefits both employers and employees. However, the complexity and sheer volume of amendments within this Bill underline the challenges businesses will face when implementing the changes.

The Need for Clarity and Support:

The CIPD has urged the government to work closely with employer organisations, including themselves, to produce a clear, phased implementation timeline. This would ensure that businesses have the support and guidance necessary to transition smoothly.

“The sheer number of amendments to this legislation underlines the size and complexity of this bill for employers. The government must ensure that, through consultation, the details of the measures are workable and can improve workplace practices.” – Ben Willmott, Head of Public Policy, CIPD.

Zero Hours Contracts and Agency Workers:

One of the most debated elements of the Bill is the new right for zero hours contract workers to request a guaranteed hours contract. While this is a step towards fairer working conditions, its application to agency workers remains uncertain.

Agency workers play a crucial role in the UK’s flexible workforce, allowing businesses to manage fluctuating demands while offering individuals a pathway into permanent employment. The government has wisely allowed more time to refine this policy, and if no practical solution is found, the CIPD will advocate for agency workers to be exempt from these provisions.

Additionally, the introduction of compensation for zero hours workers whose shifts are cancelled at short notice is a welcome move. Many businesses already implement fair cancellation policies, and this provision should help standardise good practice across industries.

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Trade Union Recognition: Challenges for Employers:

Proposed changes that would make it easier for unions to gain recognition, access workplaces, and take industrial action could have significant implications for businesses. Many employers, particularly smaller ones, may not have prior experience in dealing with trade unions and will need additional guidance to navigate these changes effectively.

Consensus HR supports the CIPD’s call for the government to consult further with businesses to ensure these changes encourage effective employment relations rather than creating unnecessary disputes. Greater investment in employment relations infrastructure, such as the Central Arbitration Committee and Acas, will be essential to help employers manage workplace negotiations fairly and efficiently.

Comment from Matthew Chilcott

“These amendments to the Employment Rights Bill highlight the ever-evolving nature of employment law and the need for businesses to stay informed and prepared. At Consensus HR, we understand the challenges that come with legislative changes, and we are here to support employers in implementing best practices while ensuring compliance. Our goal is to help businesses create fair, productive workplaces that benefit both employers and employees.” – Matthew Chilcott, Owner, Consensus HR

What Happens Next?

The CIPD continues to work closely with the government, engaging in discussions and providing expertise to ensure that the Bill results in meaningful, practical improvements to workplace practices. Employers should stay informed about forthcoming guidance and prepare to adjust their policies accordingly.

At Consensus HR, we are closely monitoring these developments and will keep our clients updated with actionable insights and support. If you need guidance on how these legislative changes may impact your business, feel free to reach out to us.

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Together, let’s ensure compliance while fostering a positive and productive work environment for all.

To view more about our range of HR & Employment Law Services

At Consensus HR, we are proud to offer a wide range of HR & Employment Law services to help our clients with all areas of best practice and Employment Law which can be found by clicking on the button:
Click Here

Are you concerned about keeping your business up to date with Employment Law changes?

If your business always wishes that it works in all areas to the benefit of the team and company and as an employer of choice, give us a call or email now for a non-obligatory chat. Consensus HR | Your Outsourced Human Resources and Employment Law Department | “Helping companies take the pain out of managing people whilst Preventing People Problems.” 01438 576750
Contact Us

Your Outsourced Human Resources (HR) Department.

For further information on any of the HR subjects we provide, please click the heading below:

Important Health & Safety Update | Consensus HR in Herts & Beds

Copyright © Consensus HR All right reserved.

Designed by JCP Web Designs

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