Labour wins the 2024 general election: what's next for employment law?
We have woken up today to the news that Labour has won the general election by a landslide. The new government is likely to make significant employment law changes.
A new Labour Government
After a six-week campaign, the Labour Party has won the UK general election, and Keir Starmer is the new Prime Minister. He has today met with the King in order to request that he form a new government. Parliament is due to return on 9th July, with the State Opening of Parliament and the King's Speech currently due to take place on 17th July.
The Labour Party has explained in its party manifesto that it is committed to making significant changes in the world of employment law. Whilst we may have to wait a short while longer before we hear the detail of Labour's plans, we do know that the new government plans to introduce legislation on employment law reform within the first 100 days of the election. Legislative reform would be preceded by consultation and Labour's key areas of focus include:
- Banning 'exploitative' zero-hours contracts
- Ending the practice of fire and re-hire
- Introducing day-one employment rights including parental leave, sick pay, and unfair dismissal protection
- Strengthening the collective voice of workers, including through trade unions
- Creating a Single Enforcement Body to ensure employment rights are upheld
- Ensuring the National Minimum Wage is a genuine living wage, through means such as removing age bands
Support through a time of transition
We are committed to supporting clients through this time of transition, as we undergo potentially significant employment law reform. You are invited to join our practical and interactive webinar on the employment law implications of the general election, which will be held on 17 July 2024 at 10.00am. The webinar will be presented by our employment partner Rebecca Fox, and our immigration specialist partner Nishil Patel. During the webinar Rebecca and Nishil will explore topics of focus and highlight areas of uncertainty, offering insights into how best to manage these.