Articles

The Home Office is consulting on plans to extend right to work checks beyond traditional employment relationships, with significant implications for gig economy platforms and sub-contracting arrangements.

The Bill will return to the House of Lords again before Royal Assent.  

The House of Commons debated the Employment Rights Bill on Wednesday, following the Lords' opposition last week to key government proposals. Despite a lengthy and animated debate, MPs supported the government's position and voted to reject all Lords' amendments.  The Bill will therefore return to the Lords once again for further consideration. 

The Employment Rights Bill will introduce significant changes impacting employers across all industries. For pharmaceuticals and life sciences organisations, these changes come as workforce expectations evolve and sustainability becomes a marker of good governance. Employers that align legal compliance with fair and transparent employment practices will be best placed to attract and retain skilled talent in a competitive market.

The government has confirmed that it is still reviewing the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) draft Code of Practice on Services, Public Functions and Associations, which was submitted for approval on 4 September 2025.

The House of Lords has reinserted a number of amendments previously rejected by the Commons, meaning the Employment Rights Bill will return for further consideration.

The government has announced plans to further strengthen protections for victims by extending the circumstances in which non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) will be unenforceable.