Hina Belitz, an employment partner at Excello Law, has provided her expert commentary for Leia Braunton’s article in the Legal 500’s In-House Lawyer publication, which discusses Labour’s proposed employment law reform. The article, titled “Labour and Employment: What the New Government Means for Workers’ Rights,” explores the potential impact of these reforms on employers and in-house lawyers.
Following Labour’s victory on 4 July 2024 after 14 years of Conservative rule, the party has promised significant changes under their Plan to Make Work Pay, aiming to enhance worker protections, ensure fair pay, and modernise workplace practices. One of the most notable proposals is the introduction of a single worker status, merging the current ‘employee’ and ‘worker’ categories to extend key rights such as paid holidays and statutory sick pay to a broader range of workers.
Hina Belitz highlights the potential benefits of this unification, suggesting it could bring much-needed clarity to a confusing and often contentious system, particularly benefiting employers who need a clearer understanding of their legal risks. She emphasises the importance for employers to stay informed about these developments and adapt their practices accordingly to remain compliant under the new regulations.