The new Government is here and they have made some employment law policy proposals which we are likely to see within the next few years. Here is a brief overview of the proposals they are going to make;
- Agency workers: there is a proposal which is going to repeal the ban on agency workers providing essential cover during strike action.
- National Minimum Wage: the new Government support an above inflation rise in the national minimum wage if this is approved by the Low Pay Commission (LPC).
- Zero hour contracts: Conservatives support the ban and propose publishing more information and guidance to improve zero hour contact terms and rights.
- Employment tribunal: support with the retention of employment tribunal fee increase.
- Pay & bonuses: the implementation of the gender pay gap reporting requirement, for employers who have 250 or more employees. This must be implemented by late March 2015, as it was included with the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment At 2015 before Parliament was dissolved for the election. There will also be a cap on public sector redundancy payments of £95,000.
- Discrimination: a greater female representation on boards and ensuring disabled people can find employment.
- Human Rights Act: a proposal to repeal the Human Rights Act 1998 and introduce a British Bill of Rights in place. The European Court of Human Rights into an advisory body only.
- EU referendum: it is proposed that the government will renegotiate EU membership and then hold a referendum by late 2017. This will have a significant impact of employment law, given the impact of EU law on employment rights we have here in the UK.
- Strike law & Industrial relations: Proposals have been made which say that 50% or more must vote in all ballots, and in essential or core public services 40% of voters must vote in favour of strikes.
- Other: public sector employers and employers with more than 250 employees, may have to give staff up to three paid days off per year, so they can do voluntary work. Proposals have also been made to require that all public sectors worker in a customer facing role must speak fluent English.
So, what do these mean for you? Let us know by either tweeting us here, or sending us a message on our Facebook page!
