VNJ Volume 39 (5) October 2024 | Page 9

Briefcas EMPLOYMENT
Redundancy rights and TUPE protection
There will be a strengthening of redundancy rights and protection for workers under the Transfer of Undertakings ( Protection of Employment ) ( TUPE ) regulations , which protect employee rights when an organisation , or part of it , is transferred from one employer to another .
Whistleblowers
Protection will be strengthened for those who ‘ blow the whistle ’ in the workplace , including updated protection for women who report sexual harassment at work .
Single status of worker
Currently , the UK has a three-tier system for employment status : employee , self-employed or worker . The government plans to simplify this to a single status .
Fire and rehire
The government plans to make it unlawful to make an employee redundant and then re-employ them on reduced terms and conditions .
Zero-hours contracts
Zero-hours contracts will reflect the number of hours employees regularly work , based on a 12-week reference period . If staff are content with a zero-hours contract then employers will not be required to make changes .
Self-employment rights
More rights are to be introduced to those who are self-employed , including the right to a written contract , the ability to tackle late payments , and the extension of health and safety and blacklisting protections .
Right to switch off
To support a healthier work – life balance , the government will introduce the right to switch off , so working from home does not result in homes becoming 24 / 7 offices .
Sick pay
Statutory sick pay will be strengthened to remove the lower earnings limit ( currently £ 123 per week ) to make it available to all workers , and the waiting period will be removed .
Maternity discrimination
Maternity protection will be strengthened ; it will be unlawful to dismiss a woman within 6 months of her return from maternity leave , except in certain circumstances .
Menopause
Employers with more than 250 employees will need to produce menopause action plans , which lay out how they are going to support employees going through the menopause . In addition , small employers will have guidance on measures to consider uniforms , workplace temperature , flexible working and recording menopause-related absence .
Parental rights Parental leave will become a day-one right .
Carers ' leave There will be a review of carers ' leave legislation .
Bereavement leave There will be a review of the current legislation .
Terminal illness
Workers who are terminally ill will have strengthened protections .
Fair tips
The law will be strengthened to ensure hospitality workers are able to decide how tips are allocated .
Unpaid internships
The government is to ban unpaid internships , except when they are part of education or a training course .
Voice at work
The government is likely to promote and strengthen the role of trade unions .
For advice on employment matters , contact the BVNA Members Advisory Service ( BMAS ) at advisoryservice @ bvna . co . uk .
Volume 39 ( 5 ) • October 2024
9