The Employment Rights Bill is set to bring significant changes to UK employment law, with important implications for businesses of all sizes. For employers, the key message is to understand what is coming and start considering where existing employment practices may need to change.

According to guidance from our HR partner Quest, there are five areas in particular that businesses should be watching.

• Unfair dismissal – proposed changes would remove the current two-year qualifying period, allowing employees to claim unfair dismissal from day one. Clear, consistent and well-documented management procedures will therefore become increasingly important.
• Sexual harassment – employers and managers will be expected to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, including harassment involving third parties.
• Fire and rehire – proposed restrictions would significantly limit employers’ ability to dismiss staff and re-engage them on less favourable terms, increasing the need for careful handling of contractual changes.
• Zero-hours contracts – employers are expected to face new requirements around reasonable notice of shift changes, aimed at giving workers greater predictability.
• Parental and bereavement leave – new day-one employment rights are proposed, meaning employers may need to update existing leave policies and procedures.

What should businesses do now?

Employers do not need to rewrite policies prematurely, but now is a good time to consider how the proposed changes could affect contracts, recruitment, dismissal procedures, line management and workforce planning.

Mid Yorkshire Chamber members have access to specialist support through our HR partner, Quest, providing expertise in HR, employment law and health and safety. Quest will also be able to support businesses in updating contracts and policies as the changes come into force.

Need help preparing?

Speak to the Mid Yorkshire Chamber team first. We can help you understand what support you may need and, where appropriate, connect you with Quest for specialist HR and employment law advice.

Contact the Chamber team to get started.