Keir Starmer has praised a newly passed law that enhances workers’ rights for individuals who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to keep the country functioning smoothly.
In an article for The Mirror, the Prime Minister expressed that the set of new regulations, including the entitlement to sick pay from the first day of illness, will modernize the world of work in the 21st century.
After facing a deadlock, the Employment Rights Bill finally received royal assent on Thursday, with most provisions set to become law starting from April 2026.
Reflecting on this significant development, Mr. Starmer emphasized that the economy and the nation’s operations are not solely driven by the privileged few but by a diverse range of individuals contributing in various roles. He underscored the importance of respect and recognition for every worker’s invaluable contribution, emphasizing that the new law accomplishes this goal.
In a joyful atmosphere in the Commons on the eve of the Christmas break, MPs celebrated as Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle announced the official royal assent for the Employment Rights Bill, marking the final step before the legislation becomes law.
Former Deputy PM Angela Rayner, who led the Bill within the government, hailed the occasion as historic, achieved through collective efforts within the Labour movement. Despite opposition from the Tories & Reform, Labour persisted in supporting the rights of working people, marking a definitive end to an era of low pay and insecurity with landmark protections for 15 million workers.
The legislation introduces a comprehensive range of new rights for workers, such as immediate paternity leave entitlement and sick pay from the onset of illness. It also prohibits exploitative zero hours contracts and the contentious ‘fire and rehire’ practices used by employers to dismiss workers and rehire them on unfavorable terms.
The Department for Business and Trade estimated that over 15 million workers will benefit from the new law’s provisions, with an additional 32,000 fathers and partners gaining the opportunity to take paternity leave each year.
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak described the day as a significant milestone for workers, highlighting that the Employment Rights Act represents the most substantial enhancement in workers’ rights in a generation. The Act introduces practical changes like banning exploitative contracts, safeguarding workers from harassment, ensuring sick pay for all, and more.
Nowak emphasized that these rights were achieved through persistent advocacy by unions and workers, bridging the gap with European counterparts in terms of workers’ rights and moving closer to international standards.