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Government introduces new legislation designed to ‘upgrade workers’ rights’

New legislation designed to ‘upgrade workers’ rights’ has been introduced by the government.

The measures will ‘ensure individuals can access fair and decent work’, and include a ‘day one’ statement of rights for all UK workers, which outlines their leave entitlement and pay.

Additionally, under the legislation, the holiday pay reference period will be extended from 12 weeks to 52 weeks, in order to ensure those in seasonal or atypical roles get the paid time off that they are entitled to.

The introduction of the new measures comes as a result of Matthew Taylor’s Review of Modern Working Practices, which was published in July 2017. The review outlined key principles for providing ‘fair and decent work for all’.

The legislation takes forward 51 of the 53 recommendations outlined by the Taylor Review.

Commenting on the legislation, Claire Walker, Co-Executive Director of Policy and Campaigns at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: ‘Businesses will acknowledge the sense in adopting most of the recommendations from the Taylor Review to reflect the changing nature of the workplace, but it is vital that employers have information and guidance to support them through any fundamental changes, and the time to adapt.

‘We look forward to working with the government to enact these changes, while making sure that businesses are not saddled with increased costs and upfront taxes as part of any reforms.’