Coming in 2020 - The Good Work Plan

The aim of this plan is to strengthen employment rights and improve working lives for employees in the UK. Changes to existing employment law are coming, while some entirely new entitlements are planned. There is a clear focus by Government now on improving communication and certainty in the working relationship. 

We will be looking at this in more detail over the coming months but for now, some points for employers to take note of include:

• Currently, you have 2 months to provide the written particulars of employment to staff. From April 6th, this will change to a “day-one” right instead. This will ensure that both you and your employees (staff and workers) are clear about the main contractual terms from the start of employment. A comprehensive list of terms and conditions must be included in this contract.
• The ‘opt-out’ option for agency workers to receive a guaranteed level of pay between temporary assignments has been removed. They are to receive the same pay as permanent staff after working up 12 weeks service.
• In terms of holidays, the reference period used to calculate holiday pay will be extended from 12 to 52 weeks. This is positive for any of your staff working variable hours. The Government has plans to launch a new holiday entitlement calculator which we are sure will be welcomed by all to correctly determine employees’ holiday entitlement.

As employers, you will need to start planning now for how these changes will impact on you.