As of April 2024, the United Kingdom has seen significant changes in its employment laws, aimed at enhancing the rights and protections of workers across various sectors. These new regulations bring about crucial adjustments that impact both employers and employees. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the key update:
Increased Minimum Wage
From April 2024, the national minimum wage has been increased to reflect the rising cost of living. The new rates are as follows:
Adults (25+): £11.00 per hour
Ages 2124: £10.50 per hour
Ages 1820: £9.00 per hour
Under 18: £7.50 per hour
Apprentices: £7.00 per hour
Expanded Family Leave and Pay
Significant enhancements have been made to family leave and pay entitlements:
Parental Leave: The duration of statutory parental leave has been extended to 26 weeks, with 20 of these weeks paid at 90% of your average earnings.
Paternity Leave: Fathers or partners are now entitled to 4 weeks of paternity leave, paid at 90% of their average earnings.
Adoption Leave: Adoption leave now mirrors maternity leave, with the same entitlement periods and pay.
3. Flexible Working Rights
The right to request flexible working has been extended to all employees from their first day of employment. Employers are required to consider these requests reasonably and respond within one month. Additionally, the types of flexible working requests have been broadened to include:
Part-time working
Job sharing
Compressed hours
Remote working
4. Enhanced Protections Against Workplace Harassment
New regulations have been introduced to strengthen protections against workplace harassment:
Employer Liability: Employers are now more accountable for preventing workplace harassment, with an emphasis on proactive measures.
ThirdParty Harassment: Employers can be held liable for harassment of their employees by third parties (clients, customers, etc.) if they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent it.
5. Pay Transparency and Equity
To promote pay equity and transparency, companies with over 250 employees must publish annual reports detailing pay differences across gender and ethnic lines. These reports must include:
Median and mean pay gaps
Bonus pay gaps
The proportion of employees receiving bonuses
Pay quartile distribution
6. Mental Health Support
Recognising the importance of mental wellbeing, new measures require employers to:
Implement mental health first aid training for managers.
Provide access to confidential counselling services.
Develop a clear mental health policy outlining support structures and resources available to employees.
7. Gig Economy Worker Rights(temp/contractors)
Gig economy workers now enjoy enhanced rights, including:
Guaranteed minimum earnings linked to the national minimum wage.
Entitlement to holiday pay based on average earnings.
Right to a written statement of terms outlining the nature of their engagement, pay, and working conditions.
Conclusion
These changes are designed to improve the working conditions, rights, and protections for all employees within the United Kingdom. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with these new laws and consider how they might impact your current or future employment situations.
This article aims to provide an overview of the key changes in UK employment laws effective April 2024. For specific advice tailored to your circumstances, please consult legal professionals or relevant government authorities.
Stay informed, stay empowered!
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