Employment Rights Bill Clears Final Parliamentary Hurdle, Securing Major Victory for Workers

The bill's passage was welcomed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who described it as a "major victory for working people in every part of the country." In a statement, he said, "We have just introduced the biggest upgrade to workers' rights in a generation... Today our plans passed through parliament, and will soon become law." The bill applies to England, Scotland, and Wales, but not Northern Ireland. The Employment Rights Bill contains several key provisions, including giving workers access to sick pay and paternity leave from the first day on the job, as well as new protections for pregnant women and new mothers. The bill's measures will require secondary legislation before coming into force. In November, Labour backed down from its plan to give all workers the right to claim unfair dismissal after a six-month qualifying period. The bill's passage has been seen as a significant development by employment rights advocates, who have long campaigned for improved protections for workers. However, some business groups have expressed concerns about the potential impact of the bill on employers. A spokesperson for the Confederation of British Industry said, "While we welcome the government's commitment to improving workers' rights, we are concerned about the potential costs and administrative burdens that the bill may impose on businesses." The Employment Rights Bill is now set to become law, with most of its measures expected to come into force in the coming months. The bill's passage marks a significant milestone in the government's efforts to improve workers' rights, and it is likely to have a significant impact on the lives of millions of workers across the country.