Found: For example, the Government’s Employment Rights Bill will seek to ban zero-hour contracts and this

Found: there a concern for those who invest in the UK when they think about the £5 billion coming from the Employment

Found: the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Transport relating to the laying of the Employment

Found: It is with great pleasure that I write to you to inform you of the introduction of our landmark Employment

Found: corporation tax level, the combination with the employee NICs, the overall effect of the £5 billion of the Employment

Found: Manifesto commitment to bring forward legislation within 100 days of entering office by introducing the Employment

Found: Following my letter dated 10 October informing you of the introduction of the Government’s landmark Employment

Found: Correspondence from the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, relating to the Employment Rights Bill

Found: We are engaging businesses and trade unions on our plan, including an Employment Rights Bill , which

Found: Letter from the Secretary of State relating to the Employment Rights Bill, 10 October 2024 Correspondence

Found: We have today published the Impact Assessment for the Employment Rights Bill, which can be found on:

Found: The Employment Rights Bill introduced to Parliament last week contains a measure which, once in force

Submit Evidence (by 6 Dec 2024)

The newly re-formed Business and Trade Committee is launching its first call for evidence on the Government’s new flagship Employment Rights Bill.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to introduce amendments to the Employment Rights Bill to clarify that foster carers are not employees.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

I pay tribute to the vital efforts of foster carers, who carry out a challenging role that requires skill, dedication and love. The government will ensure more children can receive loving care in foster families.

We will work with councils and fostering services to ensure foster carers receive the support they need and deserve. However, there are no plans to use the Employment Rights Bill to legislate on the employment status of foster carers.

My officials are working closely with officials from the Department for Education on how best to support foster carers.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the new right to flexible working in the Employment Rights Bill will include a requirement for additional consideration of requests from those who are pregnant.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government understands that the availability of flexible working can be important for those who are pregnant and in work. It can be equally as important for a number of other groups, including new parents, those with other caring responsibilities and those managing a disability or long term health condition. That is why, through the Employment Rights Bill, the Government is making flexible working the default for all employees, except where not reasonably feasible.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what progress the Creator Remuneration Group has made; and what steps her Department plans to take to help ensure creators are fairly remunerated for their work.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

The government wants to see remuneration arrangements that create the right conditions for sparking and driving innovation and investment, whilst rewarding creators for their work.

The governments response to the CMS Committee’s report on Creator Remuneration acknowledges the challenges facing creatives. In responding, the government has committed to exploring the case for a Freelance Commissioner and highlights the new provisions in the Employment Rights Bill. The government is also committed to finding the right balance between fostering innovation in artificial intelligence and ensuring protection for creators and investment in the creative industries. We intend to proceed carefully but with a degree of urgency in this area and hope to announce next steps soon.

On music streaming specifically, the government believes all artists and creators should be appropriately remunerated for the use of their works, as this is what allows them to invest their time, effort, and money into creating music. That is why this government is engaging with music stakeholders, including through a working group to pursue industry-led actions on remuneration from music streaming. We will continue to bring industry and creator representatives together to address issues and find solutions.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Civil Service has employed any (a) staff and (b) contractors on zero-hours contracts since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The number of (a) civil servants and (b) contractors employed on zero hour contracts is not held centrally by the Cabinet Office.

Zero hours contracts are not the normal practice or a recommended approach within the Civil Service. Departments may use them in very limited circumstances to help meet exceptional or fluctuating demands on the business.

The flexibility offered by zero hours contracts, zero hour arrangements and low hour contracts can benefit both workers and employers, but without proper safeguards this flexibility can become one-sided, with workers bearing all the financial risk. The Government’s Employment Rights Bill will end one-sided flexibility, ensuring that jobs provide a baseline of security and predictability so workers can better plan their lives and finances. We will consult extensively on the implementation of the legislation to ensure it works for workers and employers alike, and anticipate this meaning the majority of reforms will take effect no earlier than 2026. Government understands that adjusting to these new reforms will take time and is committed to ensuring that all stakeholders receive appropriate time to prepare for these changes ahead of their commencement.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what his planned timetable is for the review of the whistleblowing framework.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Employment Rights Bill delivers on the government's commitment to strengthening protections for whistleblowers, by updating protections for women who report sexual harassment at work.

The Government is keen to work with organisations and individuals who have ideas on how to strengthen the whistleblowing framework and we will consider options to review the whistleblowing framework in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to his the Prime Minister’s comments on BBC Newscast on 12 October 2024, when did the Government's view on P&O change.

Answered by Mike Kane - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government has been working at pace to fulfil the commitments we made in opposition to improve workers’ rights at sea. The Employment Rights Bill includes a measure to close a loophole by ensuring that the UK Government is notified of intended redundancies irrespective of a vessel’s flag state.

We will also, via amendment during the bill’s passage, introduce powers to allow the UK to strengthen workers’ rights at sea and implement international conventions relating to seafarer employment. We have now laid regulations to implement the Seafarers’ Wages Act so that from next month the National Minimum Wage equivalent will be paid.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch on 28 October when she stated that they "are looking at the calls for an office for the whistleblower" and "are considering other ideas as well" (HL Deb col 911), which specific alternative ideas they are considering to assist whistleblowers.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government is focussed on delivering the commitment in the Plan to Make Work Pay, to strengthening protections for whistleblowers, including by updating protections for women who report sexual harassment at work. The Employment Rights Bill delivers on that commitment.

Organisations and individuals have put forward many different ideas for how to strengthen the whistleblowing framework, including proposals for an office. The Government is always open to ideas.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the disparity in wealth of the wealthiest 10% of the population and the average household on (a) economic prosperity, (b) productivity and (c) social cohesion in Cornwall.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

This Government is committed to improving the living standards of the average household across the United Kingdom. The Employment Rights Bill will upgrade the UK labour market to make it fit for our modern economy, driving business growth and tackling poor productivity through providing greater security to working people.

We believe that economic prosperity, productivity, and social cohesion are best addressed by devolving powers to local areas who best understand the needs of their communities. Cornwall’s recently announced Level 2 devolution agreement is the start of that journey to move more powers from Whitehall to local people in Cornwall. Local authorities will be given new powers to address the challenge of short-term lets and second homes which are a particular challenge in Cornwall.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with (a) how many and (b) which businesses he has met to discuss the Employment Rights Bill before its First Reading.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

Since July, the Department for Business and Trade has undertaken an extensive programme of engagement around the Employment Rights Bill and broader Plan to Make Work Pay.

Such engagement has been underpinned by a strong commitment to working in partnership with businesses and trade unions to ensure policy is firmly pro-business and pro-worker.

This approach to engagement has received praise from businesses and trade unions alike and will continue throughout and beyond the passage of the Employment Rights Bill.

Details of Senior Officials’ and Ministers’ meetings with external organisations and individuals are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, for how many hours he has discussed the Employment Rights Bill with businesses since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

Since July, the Department for Business and Trade has undertaken an extensive programme of engagement around the Employment Rights Bill and broader Plan to Make Work Pay.

Such engagement has been underpinned by a strong commitment to working in partnership with businesses and trade unions to ensure policy is firmly pro-business and pro-worker.

This approach to engagement has received praise from businesses and trade unions alike and will continue throughout and beyond the passage of the Employment Rights Bill.

Details of Senior Officials’ and Ministers’ meetings with external organisations and individuals are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, for how many hours he has discussed the Employment Rights Bill with trade unions since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

Since July, the Department for Business and Trade has undertaken an extensive programme of engagement around the Employment Rights Bill and broader Plan to Make Work Pay.

Such engagement has been underpinned by a strong commitment to working in partnership with businesses and trade unions to ensure policy is firmly pro-business and pro-worker.

This approach to engagement has received praise from businesses and trade unions alike and will continue throughout and beyond the passage of the Employment Rights Bill.

Details of Senior Officials’ and Ministers’ meetings with external organisations and individuals are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with (a) how many and (b) which trade unions he has met to discuss the Employment Rights Bill before its First Reading.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

Since July, the Department for Business and Trade has undertaken an extensive programme of engagement around the Employment Rights Bill and broader Plan to Make Work Pay.

Such engagement has been underpinned by a strong commitment to working in partnership with businesses and trade unions to ensure policy is firmly pro-business and pro-worker.

This approach to engagement has received praise from businesses and trade unions alike and will continue throughout and beyond the passage of the Employment Rights Bill.

Details of Senior Officials’ and Ministers’ meetings with external organisations and individuals are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, for how many hours officials in his Department have discussed the Employment Rights Bill with trade unions since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

Since July, the Department for Business and Trade has undertaken an extensive programme of engagement around the Employment Rights Bill and broader Plan to Make Work Pay.

Such engagement has been underpinned by a strong commitment to working in partnership with businesses and trade unions to ensure policy is firmly pro-business and pro-worker.

This approach to engagement has received praise from businesses and trade unions alike and will continue throughout and beyond the passage of the Employment Rights Bill.

Details of Senior Officials’ and Ministers’ meetings with external organisations and individuals are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, for how many hours officials in his Department have discussed the Employment Rights Bill with businesses since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

Since July, the Department for Business and Trade has undertaken an extensive programme of engagement around the Employment Rights Bill and broader Plan to Make Work Pay.

Such engagement has been underpinned by a strong commitment to working in partnership with businesses and trade unions to ensure policy is firmly pro-business and pro-worker.

This approach to engagement has received praise from businesses and trade unions alike and will continue throughout and beyond the passage of the Employment Rights Bill.

Details of Senior Officials’ and Ministers’ meetings with external organisations and individuals are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 30 July 2024 to Question 1206 on Political Levy, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill on trade union members that have not previously opted-in to a political levy but that have also not actively opted-out.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Employment Rights Bill substantively restores the position on political fund contributions to before the passage of the Trade Union Act 2016. This will mean trade union members will automatically be opted-in to contribute to a political fund, unless they expressly opt-out. We are proposing existing trade union members who did not opt-in to the political fund post 2016 would remain opted-out, and therefore we do next expect there to be any impact on these members.

Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of recognising businesses with proactive equality practices.

Answered by Anneliese Dodds - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

This government recognises that equality and opportunity are at the heart of our programme of national renewal, this includes in our workplaces. The best employers understand that an inclusive workplace, where employees are supported to succeed, is good for productivity and good for the business.

Under the landmark Employment Rights Bill we are taking steps to ensure that all workplaces follow the fantastic example set by some of our leading businesses. This includes requiring large employers to publish plans setting out how they are tackling the gender pay gap and supporting employees during the menopause. Through this process we expect to be able to highlight those employers exhibiting best practice, and ensure that they can share their experiences for other businesses to learn from.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 30 July 2024 to Question 1206 on Political Levy, whether trade unions will be required to inform members of the right to opt-out (a) on membership forms and (b) in yearly membership renewals.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Employment Rights Bill restores the position on political funds to before the passage of the Trade Union Act 2016. This will mean that where a trade union has a political fund, any membership form must inform members of their right to opt out of contributing to a fund. There will be no requirement on trade unions to notify members annually of their right to opt out of contributing to a political fund.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on support for women on maternity leave in Scotland.

Answered by Ian Murray - Secretary of State for Scotland

This Government is committed to ensuring families have the best start in life.

Through the Employment Rights Bill, we will strengthen the protections for pregnant women, and new mothers returning to work.

These legislative measures aim to tackle maternity and pregnancy discrimination and avoid women leaving the workforce.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to support unpaid carers in paid work.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

We are committed to ensuring carers are supported to balance work and caring responsibilities.

We know flexible working can be particularly valuable for carers, and the Employment Rights Bill will make flexible working available to all workers except where it is genuinely not feasible.

Employees have a right to five days of unpaid carers leave. We are reviewing implementation of this measure, and exploring ways to improve support for carers.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to improve the (a) recruitment and (b) retention of school support staff in Runcorn and Helsby constituency.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

School support staff play a vital role in children’s education and the smooth running of schools. They are crucial to ensuring children are given the best possible life chances.

In a survey conducted by the department in 2023, titled ‘Use of teaching assistants in schools’, 75% of school leaders found it either 'fairly’ or ‘extremely’ difficult to recruit teaching assistants. The survey also showed that retention was less of a concern but still difficult for 29% of leaders.

The department values and recognises the professionalism of the entire school workforce and will address recruitment and retention challenges by reinstating the School Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB) as a measure in the Employment Rights Bill, which was introduced on 10 October 2024.

The SSSNB will be tasked with establishing a national terms and conditions handbook, training, career progression routes and fair pay rates for support staff. This reform will ensure that schools can recruit and retain the staff needed to deliver high quality, inclusive education and drive high and rising standards to ensure every child has the best life chances.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to increase the time limit for access to the Employment Tribunal from three months to six months after an incident of workplace discrimination.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Government is committed to increasing employment tribunal time limits from 3-6 months, which is in line with the Law Commission recommendation from 2020. Measures to extend the time limit for bringing claims to Employment Tribunals will be added via amendment during the passage of the Employment Rights Bill.

Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what the Government's planned timetable is for ending the gender pay gap.

Answered by Anneliese Dodds - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

This Government is committed to transforming the lives of working women, and that includes going further and faster to close the gender pay gap.

The landmark Employment Rights Bill includes measures to change our workplaces to better support women, including improving access to flexible working; strengthening protections for pregnant workers and those returning from maternity leave; and giving employees basic rights from their first day in a new job.

The Bill also includes a requirement for large employers to publish action plans outlining the steps they are taking to tackle the gender pay gap in their own organisations.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government why they have not yet submitted an impact assessment of the measures outlined in the Employment Rights Bill to the Regulatory Policy Committee; when they plan to do so; and whether they plan to place a copy of that impact assessment in the Library of the House.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

On Monday 21 October, the Government published a comprehensive package of analysis on the impact of the Employment Rights Bill [Employment Rights Bill: impact assessments - GOV.UK ].

These Impact Assessments have been submitted to the Regulatory Policy Committee who have acknowledged their receipt [Employment Rights Bill: statement on lateness of IA submission - GOV.UK ].

As is standard practice, this has also been published on the Employment Rights Bill page on the Parliament UK website [Employment Rights Bill publications - Parliamentary Bills - UK Parliament ].

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, when he plans to publish the impact assessment for the Employment Rights Bill.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

On Monday 21 October, the Government published a comprehensive package of analysis on the impact of the Employment Rights Bill (http://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments).

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to conduct a formal analysis of the impact of working from home on (1) productivity, and (2) the economy.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

We do not have any plans to conduct an analysis of the impact of home working in isolation. However, we will monitor the impact of the flexible working reforms which came into force in April 2024, and further changes planned though the Employment Rights Bill.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the likely impact of the new rules for bereavement leave entitlement set out in the Paternity Leave (Bereavement) Act 2024.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Employment Rights Bill establishes a new right to Bereavement Leave for employees to take protected time off to grieve. We will consult stakeholders on aspects of the design.

The Paternity Leave (Bereavement) Act 2024 enabled a ‘day one’ paternity leave entitlement for employees who become the primary carer for their newborn after the death of their partner. Regulations will then provide them with leave for up to one year after the child’s birth or adoption placement. This entitlement will have minimal impact on business and no impact on the Exchequer.

Acas maintain guidance for employers on bereavement including miscarriage.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will take steps to ensure that the new bereavement leave entitlement under the Paternity Leave (Bereavement) Act 2024 includes leave for pregnancy loss.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Employment Rights Bill establishes a new right to Bereavement Leave for employees to take protected time off to grieve. We will consult stakeholders on aspects of the design.

The Paternity Leave (Bereavement) Act 2024 enabled a ‘day one’ paternity leave entitlement for employees who become the primary carer for their newborn after the death of their partner. Regulations will then provide them with leave for up to one year after the child’s birth or adoption placement. This entitlement will have minimal impact on business and no impact on the Exchequer.

Acas maintain guidance for employers on bereavement including miscarriage.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they will take to develop policies around pregnancy loss as part of the new rules governing bereavement leave entitlement.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Employment Rights Bill establishes a new right to Bereavement Leave for employees to take protected time off to grieve. We will consult stakeholders on aspects of the design.

The Paternity Leave (Bereavement) Act 2024 enabled a ‘day one’ paternity leave entitlement for employees who become the primary carer for their newborn after the death of their partner. Regulations will then provide them with leave for up to one year after the child’s birth or adoption placement. This entitlement will have minimal impact on business and no impact on the Exchequer.

Acas maintain guidance for employers on bereavement including miscarriage.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to support women with flexible working.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

Through the recently introduced Employment Rights Bill, we are amending existing legislation to ensure employers accept flexible working requests, except where they are not reasonably feasible. These changes will support employees to access flexible working, including women. We know flexible working is particularly important supporting women who combine work with caring responsibilities.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to support women with flexible working.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

Through the recently introduced Employment Rights Bill, we are amending existing legislation to ensure employers accept flexible working requests, except where they are not reasonably feasible. These changes will support employees to access flexible working, including women. We know flexible working is particularly important supporting women who combine work with caring responsibilities.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps the Government is taking to support flexible working by women.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

Through the recently introduced Employment Rights Bill, we are amending existing legislation to ensure employers accept flexible working requests, except where they are not reasonably feasible. These changes will support employees to access flexible working, including women. We know flexible working is particularly important supporting women who combine work with caring responsibilities.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to support parents who need to take time out of work to care for children with long term illnesses.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Government recognises the difficult circumstances faced by parents who need to take time out of work to care for children with long term illnesses.

The Government has made a range of commitments which will work to support parents in this situation so they can balance work with caring responsibilities. This includes making flexible working the default as part of the Employment Rights Bill, which will make it easier for parents to access flexible working where it is feasible. Government has also committed to reviewing unpaid Carer’s leave and exploring the benefits of a paid entitlement.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the potential impact of the level of Statutory Sick Pay on public health outcomes.

Answered by Andrew Gwynne - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The pandemic exposed just how precarious work and life is for those on acute low incomes. No one should be forced to choose between their health and financial hardship. Through the Employment Rights Bill, introduced last week, we are strengthening Statutory Sick Pay so it provides a safety net for those who need it most.

We will ensure all employees receive SSP from their first day of sickness absence. These changes will help to keep people in work, grow the economy and protect public health.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she plans to meet with the Safe Sick Pay campaign to discuss the rate of Statutory Sick Pay.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

My officials met with representatives from the Centre for Progressive Change to discuss measures to strengthen Statutory Sick Pay on the day of the Employment Rights Bill introduction.

As announced in the Next Steps to Make Work Pay, the Government will shortly publish a consultation on what the percentage replacement rate for those earning below the current flat rate of Statutory Sick Pay should be. I welcome responses from the Centre for Progressive Change and other stakeholders to this consultation.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the (a) Whistleblowing Framework and (b) protections provided to whistleblowers.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The whistleblowing framework provides routes for workers to make disclosures about wrongdoing or someone covering up wrongdoing. Workers who blow the whistle are entitled to protection from detriment or dismissal, and have a route to redress where this happens.

In the Plan to Make Work Pay, the Government committed to strengthen protections for whistleblowers, including by updating protection for women who report sexual harassment at work.

Through the Employment Rights Bill [introduced on 10 October], we will make it clear that disclosures about sexual harassment can qualify for whistleblowing protections.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what plans he has to increase employee protection from unfair dismissal.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Government introduced the Employment Rights Bill in the House on 10 October 2024.

The Bill will make basic protection against unfair dismissal a day one right for all employees, ending the current arbitrary system that leaves employees waiting up to two years to access this right.

Found: Employment Rights Bill 2024-25

4 day working week

Found: This includes by overhauling jobcentres, introducing our employment rights bill, delivering a Youth guarantee

Found: which is already set to boost the pockets of the lowest paid workers by up to £600 a year through the Employment

Found: jobs through investment, reforming employment support, fixing our NHS, making work pay through our Employment

Found: From introducing our Renters’ Rights Bill and our Employment Rights Bill, and developing our Race Equality

Found: This comes alongside Government plans to deliver quality work and better pay through the Employment Rights

Found: Impact assessment shows the Employment Rights Bill will have a positive direct impact on economic growth

Found: Appointment comes alongside measures in the Employment Rights Bill requiring large employers to produce

Found: Legislation to re-establish the body through the Employment Rights Bill was introduced in Parliament

Found: Employment Rights Bill: impact assessments

Found: Employment Rights Bill: factsheets

Found: Employment Rights Bill: factsheets

Found: Employment Rights Bill: factsheets

Found: Employment Rights Bill: factsheets

Found: Employment Rights Bill: factsheets

Found: Employment Rights Bill: factsheets

Found: Employment Rights Bill: factsheets

Found: Employment Rights Bill: factsheets

Found: Employment Rights Bill: factsheets

Found: Employment Rights Bill: factsheets

Found: Employment Rights Bill: factsheets

Found: Employment Rights Bill: supporting documents

Found: Employment Rights Bill: supporting documents

Found: Rights Bill

Found: The Employment Rights Bill will amend the collective redundancy framework to ensure that employers

Found: Through the Employment Rights Bill, we’re fulfilling our pledge to end exploitative zero hours contracts

Found: employees who are bringing an unfair dismissal claim under the new right which will be introduced by the Employment

Found: This Consultation, the Employment Rights Bill, and the wider Plan to Make Work Pay, are important milestones

Found: This Consultation, the Employment Rights Bill, and the wider Plan to Make Work Pay, are important milestones

Found: Read supporting documents for the Employment Rights Bill.

Found: 6 Delivering on the Government’s mission of economic growth 6 Section 2: Employment Rights Bill 7

Found: So, it is gratifying to see these measures being taken forward through the Employment Rights Bill.

Found: We will strengthen this duty through our Employment Rights Bill, which had its Second Reading this week

Found: Employment Rights Bill: statement on lateness of IA submission

Found: What does the Employment Rights Bill mean for you?

Found: 11/2024 from Stephen Kinnock MP to Maree Todd MSP regarding the UK Government's introduction of the Employment

Found: Equality analysis for Statutory Sick Pay reform: measures in the Employment Rights Bill: Consultation

Found: Employment Rights Bill: Letter to UK Government

Found: Convention co-chairs to ask them to consider the challenges and opportunities linked to upcoming UK Employment