Your Employment Rights Are Getting an Upgrade. Here’s What You Need to Know…
The UK government is updating employment law to better reflect today’s working world. The Employment Rights Bill 2024 is expected to become law by summer 2025, and it could start being enforced as soon as autumn 2025. Here’s what it means for you as a current or future employee:
1. You’ll Have Key Rights From Day One
No more waiting around to access your basic rights. From your very first day in a new job, you’ll be entitled to:
Statutory sick pay
The right to request flexible working
Protection from unfair dismissal (in certain situations)
👉 This means your employer can’t delay giving you proper documents or treat you unfairly just because you’re new.
2. You Can Ask for Flexible Working Immediately
You won’t have to work for 26 weeks before asking for flexibility. You’ll be allowed to make a request on day one, and your employer will have just two months to respond. If they say no, they’ll need a good business reason.
👉 Think remote working, flexi-hours, or compressed weeks – this law gives you more say in how you work.
3. Regularly Working? You Can Request a More Stable Contract
If you’re working casually or on a zero-hours contract and have been doing regular shifts for more than 12 weeks, you’ll have the right to ask for a more predictable work pattern.
👉 So if you’re basically working regular hours anyway, you can ask for a proper contract and your employer will have to take that seriously.
4. More Protection if You’re Pregnant or a New Parent
If you’re on maternity, adoption, or shared parental leave, you’ll have stronger protection from redundancy – not just while you’re off, but for up to 18 months after your child is born or adopted.
👉 Your job should be safe during this time, and if it isn’t, your employer could be breaching the law.
5. Tips Belong to You, Not the Business
If you work in hospitality or a tip-based role, your employer won’t be allowed to keep or unfairly split tips anymore. They must:
Give you what you’ve earned
Have a clear, written tips policy
Keep records for 3 years
👉 You work hard for those tips – this change makes sure they go where they belong: in your pocket.
What This All Means for You
These changes are designed to make work fairer, safer, and more flexible. Whether you’re just starting out or already employed, it’s worth:
Knowing your rights
Keeping an eye on policy changes at your workplace
Asking questions if something doesn’t feel right
Employers are being urged to get ahead of the curve – and so can you.
Final Thought
Yes, it’s a lot of change, but it’s also a win for workers. The new rules are all about respect, stability, and choice at work. If your employer isn’t playing by the book when this Bill becomes law, you’ll have every right to challenge it.
🕒 The best time to get clued up? Now.
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Please note:
Just to be clear: I’m not a qualified employment lawyer. Everything I share is for information and encouragement, not legal advice.
I talk about workplace rights because far too often, employees feel unsupported when things go wrong. Let’s be honest: Your HR dept is working for your employer, not you. So, where can you turn?
If you’re facing issues at work and need help navigating them, here are some trusted places you can go for impartial support:
ACAS – Free, confidential guidance and support with disputes
Mediation – A neutral third party can help you and your employer find a resolution without formal proceedings
Citizens Advice – Practical help on employment rights
Your Trade Union – If you’re a member, they can offer legal advice and representation
LawWorks – Connects individuals with free legal support where eligible
Employment law solicitors – Many offer a free initial consultation
I’m here to shine a light on your options, build your confidence, and help you ask the right questions. You don’t have to face it alone; support is out there, and you absolutely deserve it.
