New UK Laws Aim to Protect Workers and Tenants
The UK government is planning big changes to improve workers' rights and protect renters. This is part of the Labour Party's promise to make the country fairer for everyone.
What’s in the New Laws for Workers?
The new Employment Rights Bill includes several important measures:
- Ban on zero hour contracts which do not guarantee a set number of working hours. This can leave people without a steady income. The new law would prohibit companies from using these contracts.
- No more firing and rehiring. Some companies have fired employees and then offered them worse job conditions. This practice would be prohibited.
All employees can request flexible working arrangements. Such as remote work or flexible hours from their first day on the job.
- Stronger rules would protect employees on or returning from maternity leave from losing their jobs.
- The bill aims to improve legal sick pay and raise the minimum wage to a living wage which covers basic living costs.
- Whistleblowers would benefit from increased protection when reporting wrongdoing or unsafe workplace practices.
Changes for Renters
The government is also introducing a new Renters’ Rights Bill. This law aims to make renting fairer by:
- Ending No Fault Evictions. Under the current law landlords can ask tenants to leave without providing a reason. The new law would put a stop to this.
- The bill seeks to prevent discrimination against tenants including families with children seeking to rent a home.
Other Changes
The government plans to take back public control of the passenger rail network. This means the railways would be owned and run by the government and not private companies. They also want to give local leaders more control over bus services to improve transportation.
Why Are These Changes Important?
These new laws aim to give more power to workers and tenants. The goal is to create fairer workplaces and make sure people have secure housing. By stopping unfair practices and ensuring better rights the government hopes to improve life for many people across the UK.
