Chris Elmore MP for Bridgend & Porthcawl has welcomed the passing of the Labour Government’s landmark Employment Rights Act, marking the start of a new year with stronger protections and modernised rights for working people across the constituency.
The Employment Rights Bill passed into law before Christmas, delivering long-overdue reforms to bring workers’ rights into the 21st century. As a result, employees across Bridgend & Porthcawl will benefit from a package of new measures designed to improve security, fairness and dignity at work.
Chris Elmore MP said:
“I’m proud to be part of a Labour Government that has delivered real upgrades to workers’ rights for employees right across Bridgend & Porthcawl.
After speaking to local residents, I’ve heard how much of a difference these changes will make to people’s lives – offering more security, better working conditions and greater opportunity at work.”
Key measures in the new legislation include:
·Ending exploitative zero-hours contracts
·Introducing day-one rights to paternity, parental and bereavement leave
·Strengthening statutory sick pay
·Establishing a new Fair Work Agency to uphold and enforce employment rights
These new laws were delivered despite sustained attempts by the Conservatives, Reform, Liberal Democrats and the Green Party to block or dilute the legislation. By placing barriers at every stage, opposition parties sought to delay and deny improved working conditions for employees.
Under the Labour Government’s delivery timetable, changes to sick pay and paternity leave are set to be introduced by April 2026. Further protections, including measures to support Britain’s lowest-paid workers, will be rolled out in line with this schedule.
Following discussions between trade unions and business representatives, the legislation also updates unfair dismissal rules. The qualifying period will be reduced from 24 months to six months, allowing employees to claim unfair dismissal sooner, while day-one protections against discrimination will remain in place.
The Employment Rights Act gives workers across Bridgend & Porthcawl stronger protections and fairer conditions, while ensuring businesses have time to adjust to the changes.
You can find more information here: www.gov.uk/government/news/new-lawsbringthe-world-of-work-into-the-21stcentury
