The government laid out a new set of reforms last month to better align legislation with modern working practices. The set of measures, detailed in the ‘Good Work Plan’, was described by the government as the “largest upgrade in a generation to workplace rights” and followed on from a comprehensive review of the modern workplace undertaken by Matthew Taylor in 2017/18.
Announced on December 17th, the reforms detail several key legislative changes, most of which are expected to be brought into law in April 2020. In amongst the political turmoil that unravelled late last year, and due to the proximity to Christmas, it could be the case that some employers missed the detail of these key changes to employment law.
Here is a recap of what the workplace reforms entailed…
- The right to a ‘day one’ written statement of rights for all types of workers. Previously only available to employees, the written statement will now have to go further than before by confirming eligibility for sick leave and pay and other types of paid leave, including maternity, paternity and shared parental leave.
- Repealing the ‘Swedish derogation’ – a loophole that allowed organisations to pay agency workers at cheaper rates than permanent staff. Going forward, agency workers will have to be paid an equal and fair pay rate.
- An increase to the maximum employment tribunal fines for employers demonstrated to have shown malice, spite or gross oversight from £5,000 to £20,000.
- An extension of the holiday pay reference period from 12 to 52 weeks. This will ensure those in seasonal or atypical roles receive the paid time off they are entitled to.
- Lowering the threshold required for a request to set up Information and Consultation arrangements from 10% to 2%.
- A commitment to legislate to improve the clarity of the employment status tests to reflect the reality of modern working relationships was also outlined.
Employment practices and the status of those employed to work on behalf of organisations have not been far from the headlines over the last couple of years. Cases against the likes of Uber, Hermes and Pimlico Plumbers have brought the so-called ‘gig economy’ into the spotlight – and the government claims the new reforms make the UK the first country in the world to address the opportunities and challenges of the gig economy.
Whilst many have welcomed the reforms as a big step in the right direction, others have claimed they don’t go far enough. Perhaps one of the controversial elements of the proposal is for zero hours contracts to remain a legal method of employing staff. Whilst some trade unions claim these remove certainty and give rise to unfair employment practices, Mr Taylor’s report and the government’s response concluded that to ban zero hours contracts altogether would negatively impact more people than the move would help.
Businesses that employ staff flexibly, for example, on a seasonal basis, on zero-hours contracts, on a ‘gig’ basis or via an agency, should take the time to review their practices in the light of the new draft legislation. As well as considering the contractual rights afforded to different statuses of workers, levels of pay should also be reviewed to ensure fairness, regardless of employment status.
The ‘Good Work Plan’ and its reforms clearly burden employers to tighten up their employment practices and ensure that workers are treated fairly.
To talk to our employment law team about the new legislation or for help in implementing changes across your business, please get in touch.
At O’Donnell Solicitors our Employment Law team can advise employers on policies and procedures and act on behalf of both employers and employees. If you require advice, please contact Suzzanne Gardener (suzzanne@odonnellsolcitors.co.uk) or James O’Donnell (james@odonnellsolicitors.co.uk).
