We were hoping that the long-awaited Employment Bill would be announced in the Queen's speech on 10 May 2022. Unfortunately, there has been no further development.
As previously reported, we expect the Employment Bill to contain measures relating to tips, additional rights for zero hours workers and pregnant women, neonatal and paid carers' leave, and flexible working. Given that the Bill has again been missed out of the Queen's speech it appears that we are going to have to wait longer for any legislation in these areas. The official position remains unchanged - they will be dealt with 'when parliamentary time allows'.
The Queen's Speech did however announce a new Harbours (Seafarers' Remuneration) Bill in response to the recent mass redundancies at P&O. The Bill is intended to protect employees working within the shipping sector. The Transport Secretary has confirmed nine measures the Government will take to provide this protection. These include significant resources to check national minimum wage compliance, and a new statutory code to deal with employers tactics to fire and re-hire (with compensation when there is non-compliance).
For more information please contact Zahra Gulamhusein in our Employment Law team on 020 7665 0868, or complete the form below.