The Labour government’s Employment Rights Bill is making waves in Bristol and across the UK. This bill aims to improve workers’ rights and create a ‘New Deal for Working People’. It contains 28 reforms, including guaranteed hours for zero-hours contract workers, ‘day one’ rights, and increased protections from sexual harassment at work. While many see this bill as a step forward, some believe it falls short of truly making work pay.
The bill has received mixed reactions from trade unions and businesses. The TUC has largely supported it, while Unite has criticized it for not going far enough, especially in terms of zero-hours contracts. The CBI has given a lukewarm response, acknowledging the government’s efforts to engage with businesses and unions.
For Bristolians, the bill could bring significant changes, particularly in terms of the minimum wage. The proposal to take into account the cost of living when setting the minimum wage could benefit those on low incomes in Bristol, where living costs are high. However, there are still some key rights missing from the bill, such as the ‘right to switch off’ and a single status for workers.
While the bill shows promise, its impact on people’s lives in Bristol won’t be felt until 2025 or 2026. The process of passing legislation through Parliament may strengthen or weaken certain provisions. Overall, there is a sense that the government could be more ambitious in its approach to workers’ rights, especially in an increasingly automated and digital world of work.
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