Douglas Alexander MP has welcomed the passing of the Employment Rights Act, which will bring employment rights into the 21st century for workers in East Lothian and across the UK.
This newly passed legislation introduces key new measures to bring workers’ rights into the 21st century, including ending exploitative zero hours contracts; establishing day one rights for paternity, parental and bereavement leave; strengthening statutory sick pay; and establishing a new Fair Work Agency.
The government’s new measures mean that sick pay and paternity leave changes are set to be introduced by April 2026, with additional protections, including for Britain’s lowest paid workers, being introduced in line with the government’s delivery timetable.
Through constructive conversations between trade unions and business representatives, this law will also introduce a qualifying period for unfair dismissal, reduced from 24 months to 6 months (whilst maintaining existing day one protection against discrimination and automatically unfair grounds for dismissal) to ensure employees are given more security at work, whilst businesses are given more time to prepare for these changes.
Mr Alexander celebrates this proud moment for the Government, which has worked closely with businesses and trade unions to deliver these generational upgrades to workers’ rights.
Commenting, Douglas Alexander MP said:
“I’m delighted to be a member of a Labour Government that has delivered upgrades to workers’ rights for employees right across East Lothian.
“After speaking to local residents, I’ve heard how much of a difference this will make to their lives – offering more security, better working conditions and increasing opportunity at work.
“These changes will strengthen certainty for businesses in my constituency too – benefitting those brilliant businesses in East Lothian already treating their workers right, levelling the playing field and helping to improve retention of staff.
“After opposition attempts to block and water down these transformative upgrades to workers’ rights, I’m proud to have voted for this Labour Government’s legislation, delivering an economy that works for both businesses and workers alike.”