The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals
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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will launch a consultation on implementing the new measures.
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The Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Bill gains Royal Assent Published: 26 September 2023 Emailed: 27 September 2023
The Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Bill has become an Act of parliament (law) by gaining Royal Assent on 18 September 2023.
The Bill will give workers and agency workers the right to request more predictable terms and conditions of work. This also gives individuals on atypical contracts - including those on zero hours contracts - more predictable working hours. It delivers on a 2019 Manifesto commitment to introduce a right for workers to request a more predictable contract. Zero hours contracts - and other forms of atypical work - are an important part of the UK’s flexible labour market; however, the government is determined to tackle unfair working practices. The Predictable Working Act introduces a right for workers to request a more predictable working pattern, intending to redress the imbalance of power between some employers and workers in atypical work, encouraging workers to begin conversations with their employers about their working patterns.
Matthew Taylor’s 2017 review of modern working practices and the gig economy recommended the introduction of this policy, noting that it would support many workers who currently experience ‘one - sided flexibility’.
Business and Trade Minister, Kevin Hollinrake, said:
‘‘Although zero hours contracts can often suit workers who want to work flexibly and employers whose needs vary, it is unfair for anyone to have to put their lives on hold to make themselves available for shifts that may never actually come - this Act helps to end the guessing game.
A happier workforce means increased productivity, helping in turn to grow the economy, which is why we’ve backed these measures to give people across the UK more say over their working pattern.’’
Acas Chief Executive, Susan Clews, said:
‘‘Acas is producing a new Code of Practice that will provide clear guidance on making and handling requests. This will help workers and businesses understand the law and have constructive discussions around working arrangements that suit them both. Our draft Code will be available for public consultation in the coming weeks and we encourage all interested parties to respond and let us know their views.’’
It has been reported that the measures in the Act and secondary legislation are expected to come into force approximately a year after Royal Assent, to give employers time to prepare for the changes.
Subject to parliamentary approval, all workers and employees will have this new right once it comes into force, however, they must first have worked for their employer a set period before they make their application. This period will be set out in regulations and is expected to be 26 weeks. Given the proposals aim to support those with unpredictable contracts, workers will not have had to have worked continuously during that period. In response to this legislation, the government has asked Acas to prepare a new statutory Code of Practice to help workers and businesses understand the law and to provide guidance on how requests should be made and considered. Acas will launch a public consultation on a draft Code this autumn.
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