The Employment Rights Bill (ERB) was published on the 10 October 2024.

It introduces sweeping reforms that will reshape the employment landscape and recruitment industry.

While many changes won’t come into effect until 2026 at the earliest, it is critical businesses use this time to prepare.”

“In accordance with a recent report from the REC” , the Key proposals include:

1. The introduction of a right to guaranteed hours contracts for zero-hour workers.

2. Mandatory notice periods for shift changes and cancellation for zero hour workers with financial penalties for non-compliance.

3. Unfair dismissal protections after the probationary period, removing the current two-year employment requirement to be able to bring an unfair dismissal claim.

4. A ban on substitution clauses in employment and worker contracts likely to result in a limit on the use of independent contractors.

5. Immediate Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) entitlement from day 1 of employment (including for temporary agency workers).

6. Restrictions on confidentiality clauses in settlement agreements for harassment claims.