Details of Workers' Rights Bill Remain Unresolved as Secondary Legislation Awaits
Key details of the workers’ rights bill remain unsettled, left to be addressed in secondary legislation following royal assent. The government adopted a six-month qualifying period for unfair-dismissal protections instead of granting day-one rights, with the trade union congress (TUC) supporting this change.
The removal of a cap on compensation claims for unfair dismissal has sparked opposition from Conservative peers, while six leading business groups have urged Parliament to proceed, warning that further delays could undermine their negotiating gains. Guaranteed hours contracts are a central but currently undefined element; specifics such as thresholds for low hours, what constitutes regular work, and applicable reference periods will be determined through secondary legislation.
Other employer concerns include how seasonal and temporary workers will be treated, thresholds for industrial action, and the practical application of union rules, all slated to be determined at a later stage. Although the House of Lords retains the ability to object and propose amendments, there is a growing sentiment that further obstruction would be out of touch with the current political climate.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle indicated that extensive consultation will accompany the bill’s implementation and the drafting of secondary legislation, signaling a potentially lengthy process after the bill's formal passage. Officials observed that the government's pledge to introduce the bill within 100 days may have led to many complex details being deferred, with debates on these matters expected to resume during the development of secondary legislation.
