Keir Starmer praises a newly passed law aimed at enhancing workers’ rights for those who have dedicated themselves throughout the year to keep the country functioning.
In an article for The Mirror, the Prime Minister highlighted the set of new provisions, which includes the entitlement to sick pay from the first day of illness, as a step towards modernizing the world of work.
Following the approval of the Employment Rights Bill by the royal assent on Thursday, after the House of Lords relented earlier in the week, many of the outlined measures are slated to become law starting April 2026.
Emphasizing the significance of this development, Mr. Starmer stated, “It’s not just the elite who drive Britain’s economy and sustain the nation. It’s the hardworking individuals like cleaners, carers, nurses, engineers, shop workers, drivers, builders, bartenders, teachers, teaching assistants, technicians, cooks, and more – individuals who have worked tirelessly all year. Regardless of your occupation, you deserve to be treated respectfully at work and acknowledged for the remarkable contributions you make. This is the essence of the new law.”
On the eve of the Christmas break, MPs in the Commons cheered as Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle announced the royal assent given to the Employment Rights Bill. This marks the final formal step for the legislation to become law after being endorsed by both the Commons and Lords.
Angela Rayner, the former Deputy PM who spearheaded the Bill in government, remarked, “This is a historic achievement, accomplished with pride by the entire Labour movement. Despite opposition from the Tories & Reform, Labour stood by working people. Today, we are ushering in a new era with landmark rights for 15 million workers, putting an end to years of low pay and insecurity.”
The new law introduces various workers’ rights, such as the right to paternity leave from day one of employment and sick pay entitlement from the onset of illness. Additionally, it will prohibit exploitative zero hours contracts and eliminate the controversial ‘fire and rehire’ practices allowing employers to dismiss and re-employ workers on unfavorable terms.
The Department for Business and Trade estimates that over 15 million workers will benefit from the new law’s provisions. Moreover, the introduction of day one rights will enable 32,000 more fathers and partners annually to take paternity leave.
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak commented, “This is a momentous day for millions of workers. The Employment Rights Act signifies a significant advancement in workers’ rights, introducing sensible changes like banning exploitative zero hours contracts, safeguarding workers from harassment, ensuring sick pay for all, and much more.”
“These rights have been hard-fought for by the union movement and workers. For too long, we have lagged behind our European counterparts in workers’ rights. This legislation brings us closer to the mainstream.”
