This edition focuses on Labour's election pledges on employment and immigration reforms. We examine the raft of employment rights proposals as well as the trade union and industrial relations reforms we can expect to see in the coming months. We take a look at the changes to come to the national minimum wage and at the business immigration system review. We also include our usual round-up of news, our horizon scanner and information on forthcoming events.
The Government's proposals on employment law reforms look set to result in an increased compliance burden for business and more employee disputes. Unfair dismissal protection as a day 1 right is no minor shift. However, many proposals are undoubtedly fair and reasonable. Improved pay gap reporting, menopause action plans and improving sexual harassment laws are all laudable.
One proposal I am most interested to understand is the creation of the Single Enforcement Body and how that will increase the risks of state-sponsored enforcement against employers. What powers will it have and what will be its priorities? Maybe the key question is how well resourced will it be?
For now, let's see how far the Government takes its proposals following consultation. The needle may shift as it tries to balance being business-friendly, whilst delivering for its trade union stakeholders. However, I don’t think the magnitude of the changes is important. After all, businesses know the Government will increase protections for workers. What really matters is certainty: what is coming down the tracks; how clear is the law and how can we plan for it? The details will hopefully be made clear soon.
We look at the employment rights and reforms the new Labour government is expected to introduce and the likely timetable for implementation. Find out more here.
The government's manifesto promised to "create a partnership between business and trade unions". We look at what industrial relations and trade union reform might mean for employers. Find out what it means for employers here.
Labour's manifesto pledged to ensure the minimum wage would be a genuine living wage. The government's proposals will impact employers both in terms of labour costs and in determining compliance. Read about the proposals here.
The new government has proposed a redesigned points-based immigration system to tackle immigration, mandatory skills improvement plans and stricter penalties for non-compliance. Read about the latest developments here.
The EU Parliament has adopted the Platform Workers Directive, aimed at enhancing employment law protections for platform workers across the EU. Find out what it means here.
For all the latest legislative developments and forthcoming cases in employment law see our latest Horizon Scanner by visiting our website page here.
Our six-part webinar series shining a spotlight on key business and legal insights in six business locations around the world is underway. In each 45 minute round-up, a panel of experts share legal and local economic trends to help you navigate the complexities of the global business landscape. Visit our website page here to view the webinars that you missed and sign up to the upcoming events.
For our Employment and Immigration Training Calendar 2024 listing all our client training events, please visit our website page here.
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