Millions of Brits are set to get a pay rise as the King announced the government’s major new plans this morning (16 July).
Oh yes, today saw the first King’s Speech under a Labour Government in 14 years and it featured a pretty hefty 40 pieces of proposed legislation.
While that seems like an awful lot, and far too much to take in during your lunch break, one thing we can certainly get excited about is the idea of some extra cash in our pockets.
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As promised by Labour in the run-up to the general election, an Employment Rights Bill will be introduced within the first 100 days of government.
'Making work pay'
During his speech, King Charles III said the UK government is ‘committed to making work pay’ and is set on banning ‘exploitative practices’ from companies through this bill.
As well as this potential pay rise for workers in Britain, the bill will also see a ban on those often nightmarish zero-hour contracts, as well as fire and rehire policies.
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Parental leave, sick pay and protection from unfair dismissal is also to be made available from day one in a job.
The introduction of a 'genuine' living wage
And, in a possible attempt to tackle the crushing cost of living, a ‘genuine’ living wage will be introduced.
Importantly, this would remove ‘discriminatory’ age bands which affect the National Minimum Wage, meaning all adults would be entitled to the same basic level of pay.
So, if you’re currently getting paid under it, you should be seeing a nice spike in your paycheque.
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Under these draft proposals, employers are also going to have to make flexible working available from a worker’s first day on the job.
Transforming workers' rights
This Bill will also remove ‘unnecessary’ restrictions on trade unions. And unions have welcomed it, as they believe the plans will transform workers’ rights.
The Government said these new measures represent the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation. It claims it will improve the lives of working people across the UK, stressing that ministers will work in partnership with unions and business.
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Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack said: “The steadfast commitment to start delivery of the New Deal for Working People within 100 days will significantly improve the lives of workers after 14 years of vicious anti-trade union legislation from the Tories.”
Other bills announced in the King's Speech today include the Better Buses Bill, Renters’ Rights Bill and Football Governance Bill.
Topics: Cost of Living, UK News, Money, King Charles III, Politics
Jess Battison