The Employment Rights Bill is now nearing the final stages of its journey through Parliament. This landmark legislation will transform the world of work in the UK, delivering stronger protections, fairer conditions, and greater security for millions of workers. Following detailed scrutiny and consultation, the Government has introduced a series of amendments to strengthen the Bill and ensure it is clear, proportionate, and enforceable.

Key reforms include banning exploitative zero-hours contracts, with employers required to offer guaranteed hours to qualifying workers and ending fire-and-rehire practices except in cases of genuine financial distress. Bereavement leave has been expanded to include pregnancy loss before 24 weeks, and statutory sick pay will be improved to remove barriers to access. Workers will also benefit from new protections against harassment, including third-party harassment, and non-disclosure agreements that silence victims of discrimination or abuse will be voided.

The Bill also reestablishes the School Support Staff Negotiating Body and introduces Fair Pay Agreements for sectors like social care, ensuring minimum standards and dignity at work. The creation of the Fair Work Agency will help enforce these rights and ensure all employers play by the same rules.

Royal Assent is expected later this year, with phased implementation beginning in early 2026. Sector-specific bodies, such as the school support staff panel, will begin negotiations by April 2027. These reforms mark a decisive shift away from insecure work and towards a model built on respect, stability, and cooperation.

I am Incredibly proud to have delivered this legislation during my time as Secretary of State for Business and Trade. I will continue to champion these changes and ensure they deliver real improvements for people in Stalybridge and Hyde and across the country. Empathetic employment practices help workers recover from traumatic times and help employers retain great workers. That’s the sort of difference Labour is striving to make – practical changes working towards a kinder world and a fairer, stronger economy.