Keir Starmer has praised a new law aimed at enhancing workers’ rights for those who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to keep the country functioning. The Prime Minister, in an article for The Mirror, highlighted that the array of new measures, including the entitlement to sick pay from the first day of illness, is set to modernize the world of work.
Following the House of Lords’ compliance earlier this week, the Employment Rights Bill received royal assent on Thursday, putting an end to months of deadlock. The majority of the provisions are expected to become law starting April 2026.
In a significant declaration, Mr. Starmer emphasized the importance of recognizing the diverse workforce that contributes to the country’s economy and operations. He stressed that all workers, regardless of their profession, deserve respect and acknowledgment for their valuable contributions, which the new law aims to achieve.
On the final day before the Christmas break, MPs in the Commons celebrated as Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle confirmed the royal assent for the Employment Rights Bill. This formal approval by the King marks the conclusive stage for the legislation to take effect after being endorsed by both the Commons and Lords.
Angela Rayner, the former Deputy PM leading the Bill in government, described the event as a historic achievement accomplished by the entire Labour movement. Despite opposition from the Tories & Reform, Labour’s support for working people has culminated in groundbreaking rights for 15 million workers, marking an end to the era of low pay and job insecurity.
The new legislation introduces various workers’ rights, including immediate paternity leave entitlement and sick pay from the onset of illness. Additionally, it prohibits exploitative zero-hours contracts and the contentious ‘fire and rehire’ practices allowing employers to dismiss and rehire workers under unfavorable terms.
The Department for Business and Trade estimates that over 15 million workers will benefit from the new law’s provisions. Moreover, the introduction of day one rights will enable 32,000 more fathers and partners annually to take paternity leave.
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak hailed the day as a significant milestone for millions of workers, emphasizing that the Employment Rights Act signifies the most substantial enhancement in workers’ rights in a generation. The Act brings fundamental changes such as banning exploitative contracts, safeguarding workers from harassment, ensuring sick pay for all, and more.
Nowak stressed that these rights, long advocated for by the union movement and workers, are crucial advancements that align the UK closer to European standards regarding workers’ rights, marking a significant progress in this area.