Keir Starmer has praised a new law aimed at enhancing workers’ rights for those who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to keep the nation operational. The Prime Minister, in an article for The Mirror, highlighted that the new set of regulations, which includes the entitlement to sick pay from the first day of illness, will modernize the realm of work.
Following the House of Lords’ concession earlier this week, the Employment Rights Bill was granted royal assent on Thursday, concluding months of impasse. The majority of the provisions are scheduled to become law starting April 2026.
In a significant statement, Mr. Starmer emphasized the importance of acknowledging the diverse workforce that contributes to the nation’s economy. He underscored the contributions of various professionals, such as cleaners, carers, nurses, engineers, shop workers, drivers, builders, baristas, teachers, and more, who have dedicated themselves throughout the year. The new law aims to ensure that all workers are treated with respect and appreciation for their invaluable efforts.
As the Employment Rights Bill received royal assent, Members of Parliament expressed jubilation in the Commons on the eve of the Christmas recess. The formal approval by the King marks the final stage for the legislation to become law, following agreement from both the Commons and Lords.
Angela Rayner, the former Deputy Prime Minister and a key proponent of the Bill in government, hailed the momentous achievement as a collective success of the Labour movement. She highlighted the opposition faced from the Tories & Reform but lauded Labour’s support for the working population, emphasizing the transformative impact of the new rights for 15 million workers.
The new legislation introduces a range of enhanced workers’ rights, including immediate entitlement to paternity leave and sick pay from the onset of illness. It also prohibits exploitative zero-hour contracts and eliminates the controversial ‘fire and rehire’ practices that allow employers to dismiss workers and rehire them under unfavorable terms.
The Department for Business and Trade estimates that over 15 million workers will benefit from the measures outlined in the new law. Additionally, the new rights provided from day one of employment will enable 32,000 more fathers and partners to take paternity leave each year.
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak hailed the day as a landmark for workers, highlighting the Employment Rights Act as the most significant advancement in workers’ rights in a generation. He emphasized the practical changes the legislation brings, including the ban on exploitative contracts and improved protections for workers, ushering in a new era of enhanced rights for workers.
“These hard-fought rights reflect the longstanding advocacy by the union movement and workers. The legislation brings us closer to aligning with our European counterparts in terms of workers’ rights,” added Nowak.