Britain's Labour Government Introduces Landmark Employment Rights Bill

Britain's Labour government unveiled a comprehensive Employment Rights Bill, proposing major changes to workers' rights. Key aspects include abolishing fire-and-rehire practices, enhancing sick pay, and banning zero-hours contracts. The bill also promises new parental leave rights. However, some pre-election promises have been deferred for further consultation.

Britain's Labour government on Thursday launched a comprehensive Employment Rights Bill, marking the most significant employment law overhaul in a generation. The legislation, awaiting parliamentary approval, aims to abolish fire-and-rehire tactics and bolster sick pay provisions, drawing keen interest from trade unions and business leaders.

The proposed bill outlines protections for millions of workers, including introducing new parental leave rights and banning zero-hours contracts. Still, the government will consult on details like employees' right to disconnect outside of office hours and establishing a single worker status to curb companies' misuse of self-employment categorization.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer positions this legislative initiative as a means to prevent industrial actions that have plagued services recently. Business minister Jonathan Reynolds emphasized that the reforms are designed to modernize laws, improve living standards, and secure opportunities for businesses and workers alike.

(With inputs from agencies.)