Employment Rights Bill

10 Oct 2024

No debate — this is a formal reading.

21 Oct 2024

MPs debated the Bill's core provisions at second reading. The opposition questioned the pace of reform, arguing the simultaneous introduction of day-one rights and zero-hours contract restrictions could deter hiring. The government cited modelling showing minimal impact on employment levels.

5 Nov 2024

The committee examined clauses on flexible working requests and the right to switch off. Trade union representatives gave evidence on enforcement mechanisms, and members tabled amendments to extend protections to gig economy workers explicitly.

12 Nov 2024

A second committee sitting focused on collective redundancy consultation thresholds and the proposed Fair Work Agency. The government accepted minor amendments on notice periods but resisted broader changes to the dismissal framework.

14 Jan 2025

Report stage saw significant debate over amendments to the zero-hours provisions, with backbench concern about the impact on hospitality and social care sectors. The government introduced its own amendment to delay implementation for smaller employers by twelve months.

21 Jan 2025

The Bill passed third reading by 327 votes to 245. The opposition confirmed it would continue scrutiny in the Lords, particularly on clauses relating to trade union recognition thresholds.

4 Feb 2025

Lords gave the Bill its second reading with broad support for the principle of stronger worker protections. Several crossbenchers raised concerns about the complexity of the drafting, while business-affiliated peers argued for a phased implementation approach.