Law Pod UK 213: Henry Tufnell MP Defends the Employment Rights Bill
Jan 27, 2025
Henry Tufnell, a former barrister turned MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, joins employment law expert Alasdair Henderson to unpack Labour's Employment Rights Bill. They debate key features like the banning of zero-hours contracts and the balance between worker protections and employer flexibility. The conversation also covers new employer duties for gender equality, the complexities surrounding probationary periods, and the need for robust scrutiny of the bill as it races through Parliament. It's a thoughtful discussion on navigating modern employment challenges.
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Zero-Hours Contract Challenges
- Zero-hours contracts create uncertainty for workers who might arrive at work with no hours guaranteed.
- Labour's bill aims to provide a baseline of guaranteed hours to improve workers' stability and agency.
Low-Paid Workers Face Harsh Reality
- Low-paid workers suffer more from not receiving holiday or pay slips compared to higher-paid workers.
- The bill targets these vulnerable employees to enhance their work conditions and fairness.
Guaranteed Hours as a Baseline
- Guaranteed hours set a minimum but do not limit workers from taking on additional hours.
- The bill aims to provide certainty without reducing flexible work opportunities.