A number of major changes have come into effect this week as part of the UK Labour Government’s plan for change, delivering improvements for families, workers, and pensioners across the UK, Wales and here across Bridgend & Porthcawl.
One of the most significant changes is the removal of the two-child benefit cap. Introduced by the former Conservative Government in 2017, the policy had been widely criticised by charities, anti-poverty organisations, and children’s advocates for pushing hundreds of thousands of families into hardship. Its removal marks a major shift in social policy. Ending the cap is expected to lift around 450,000 children across the UK out of poverty, including more than 69,000 in Wales and 1,440 in Bridgend & Porthcawl. Local families struggling with the cost of living will now see direct support, helping to ease financial pressures and give children a fairer start in life.
This week also sees an increase to the state pension, rising by up to £575 for 12 million pensioners. Thousands of pensioners across Bridgend & Porthcawl are set to benefit, giving older residents greater financial security and helping them manage rising household costs.
Alongside these measures, the Employment Rights Act delivers the most significant overhaul of workplace protections in decades. The reforms introduce a wide range of new rights, including day-one access to paternity and unpaid parental leave, up to 52 weeks of bereaved partner’s leave, stronger sick pay and redundancy protections, and enhanced safeguards against unfair dismissal and workplace harassment. These measures support local workers across sectors—from retail and hospitality to manufacturing and public services—ensuring fairer treatment, greater job security, and more flexibility at work.
Chris Elmore MP’s 2024 Private Members’ Bill on bereavement leave helped shape these new provisions, ensuring families facing difficult circumstances receive time and support as a right, rather than relying on employer discretion. Families will be able to grieve or care for a new-born without worrying about their job or income.
“Together, these changes show a real commitment to supporting people at every stage of life—helping families make ends meet, giving pensioners security, and protecting workers in the workplace,” Chris Elmore said. “It’s about building a fairer society where everyone in Bridgend & Porthcawl has the opportunity to thrive.”
Taken together, the reforms represent a clear commitment from the Labour Government to strengthen social security, modernise workplace rights, and provide greater stability at every stage of life.
