WHAT DOES THE GOVERNMENT’S ‘PLAN TO MAKE WORK PAY’ MEAN FOR US?

There has been much media coverage – praise and criticism – of the new Labour Government’s plans to shake up the UK’s workers’ rights. Its ‘Plan To Make Work Pay’ pledge was part of the Party’s Manifesto and covers a multitude of reforms, tackling areas such as Zero hours contracts; Flexible working rights from day one; Maternity discrimination; Carers’ leave; Right to switch off; Unpaid internships; and more.

You can read more about the full range of measures here [LINK - https://labour.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/MakeWorkPay.pdf ]. But, with the Employment Right Bill set to be laid before Parliament within the next few weeks, I’ve taken a look at the latest news and opinions about the legislation.

Firstly, an announcement from the Government a couple of weeks back which outlines that ‘Business leaders and unions to work hand in hand to deliver new plans to Make Work Pay’. It followed a meeting hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, and attended by representatives of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD), Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Institute of Directors (IoD), Make UK, Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), plus leading unions. You can find out more about the meeting and goals here [LINK - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/business-leaders-and-unions-to-work-hand-in-hand-to-deliver-new-plans-to-make-work-pay ]

The ‘right to switch off’ has been the focus of many column inches, and the Guardian has spoken to seven UK workers in different sectors and fields – including the games industry, where the individual in question reveals that “it’s normal for me to do around 60-70 hours a week. On average I easily work at least 12 hours a day from Monday to Friday and quite often a day or half a day during the weekend”. The person interviewed goes on to say: “What the legislation should focus on is making uncompensated overtime illegal. It should be, at the bare minimum, compensated with time off in lieu.” It’s a really interesting read, offering many perspectives from the various individuals. Check it out here [LINK - https://www.theguardian.com/law/article/2024/aug/22/uk-workers-on-right-to-switch-off-law-overtime-contact-out-of-hours ]

The Independent also takes a look at the ‘right to switch off’ proposals, suggesting that ‘the right to switch off will not be enshrined in law. Instead, it will likely be recommended in the codes of practice for businesses.’ The article also highlights the regulations around this issue in other countries, including Ireland, Belgium and France where ‘it is illegal for an employer to reprimand a worker for not responding to out-of-hours calls – and the offence can carry a fine’. You can learn more here [LINK - https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/labour-right-to-switch-off-uk-work-life-office-hours-b2600030.html ]

The four-day week has also been the focus of much commentary and debate. The BBC was just one media outlet to suggest that: Full-time workers' rights to ask for a four-day working week could be strengthened under government plans to increase flexible working. The report provides a great analysis of the pros and cons, plus the agreements and objections, to this working practice. Take a look at the arguments for and against here [LINK - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gl5w83z7do ]

Finally, and sticking with the four-day week, back to The Independent, which provides an overview of ‘Labour’s four-day week: How it will work and who can do it’. Get the lowdown here [LINK - https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/4-day-work-week-uk-labour-rayner-b2605466.html ]

What are your thoughts on the proposed workers’ rights reforms? Would you like the right switch off? And have you considered the four-day week? I’d love to hear your thoughts!