Government has unveiled its Employment Rights Bill strengthening statutory sick pay (SSP), establishing a new right to bereavement leave and making flexible working the default where practical.
These measures will be supported by the launch of a Fair Work Agency.
Government also published a Next Steps document which could pave the way for workers to have a ‘right to switch off’ from work.
Among an array of measures, the Bill commits to:
- The strengthening of statutory sick pay, removing the lower earnings limit for all workers and cutting out the waiting period before sick pay kicks in
- Making flexible working the default where practical
- Setting a clear standard for employers by establishing a new right to bereavement leave
- Establishing the new Fair Work Agency that will bring together different government enforcement bodies, enforce holiday pay for the first time and strengthen statutory sick pay.
Government said the agency will create a “stronger, recognisable single” organisation that people know where to go for help – with “better support for employers who want to comply with the law and tough action on the minority who deliberately flout it.”
Looking to the future, government also outlined reforms it will look to implement in the future.
Subject to consultations, this includes a Right to Switch Off, preventing employees from being contacted out of hours, except in exceptional circumstances, to allow them the rest and get the recuperation they need to give 100% during their shift.