🚢 Employment Rights Bill (Twenty First sitting)

Here’s a summary of the parliamentary session regarding the Employment Rights Bill (Twenty First sitting):

• Special Constables’ Time Off for Public Duties:
  • New Clause 34 was introduced by Sir Ashley Fox to amend the Employment Rights Act 1996, giving special constables the right to take unpaid leave to perform their police duties. The proposal aimed to recognize the contributions of volunteers in the police force and potentially boost retention and recruitment.
• Carer’s Leave Remuneration:
  • New Clause 35 proposed by Steve Darling would allow carers to receive paid leave, addressing the financial burdens that unpaid leave imposes on those with caring responsibilities. However, the clause was withdrawn despite its intent to support carers financially.
• Right to Be Accompanied in Hearings:
  • New Clause 37 sought to expand who can accompany workers in disciplinary or grievance hearings beyond trade union representatives or colleagues, aiming to improve support and potentially reduce tribunal cases.
• Volunteering Time Off and Review:
  • New Clause 38 was for a consultation on granting employees in large organizations time off for volunteering. However, the proposal did not advance due to a perceived overkill of consultations already scheduled in the Bill.
• Four-Day Week Impact Report:
  • New Clause 42 requested a report from the Certification Officer on the economic impact of introducing a four-day week across various sectors, but it did not proceed as the government felt it wasn’t an appropriate role for the Certification Officer.
• Adoption Pay for Self-Employed:
  • New Clause 46 aimed at extending statutory adoption pay to self-employed and contractors. While not accepted, discussions confirmed a government commitment to review the parental leave system.
• Employment Rights for Migrant Workers on Temporary Visas:
  • New Clause 51 proposed a report on how migrant workers can assert their rights, but the government argued that current frameworks and upcoming reviews would cover these issues.
• Seafarers’ Wages and Working Conditions Amendments:
  • New Schedule 3 was added to the Bill to give the Secretary of State powers to make regulations around wages and working conditions for seafarers, reflecting ongoing legislative adjustments to enhance enforcement.
• Legislation Adjustments:
  • The session also covered clauses on the ability of the Secretary of State to make consequential amendments (Clause 113) and transitional provisions (Clause 114), which are standard to ensure smooth legal transitions.
• Amendments to Representation and Territorial Extent:
  • Minor amendments concerning the representation at hearings, financial provisions, territorial extent, and commencement of different parts of the Bill were also discussed and some were made.
• Debate and Discussion:
  • The session was marked by a robust discussion, showing varying perspectives on how employment rights should be framed to balance support for workers with economic and business interests. Amendments were largely debated and withdrawn, with the government showing a commitment to further consultation but not to immediate legislative changes in many areas discussed.

This summary captures the core topics discussed and actions taken during the session, tailored for general public comprehension.

The session exhibited low levels of disagreement among members, focusing on constructive and technical discussions regarding the amendments and clauses proposed for the bill. Examples from the transcript include collaborative contributions from different members recognizing the work of others and supporting the general objectives of the proposals, even when expressing minor concerns. Therefore, the division recorded was occasionally significant but remained professional and respectful.