Source · Select Committees · Business and Trade Committee
3rd Report - Make Work Pay: Employment Rights Bill
Business and Trade Committee
HC 370
Published 3 March 2025
Recommendations
2
Accepted in Part
Embed definitions of 'reasonable notice' and 'moved' shifts into primary legislation.
Recommendation
While the Committee welcomes the added security for workers that the Bill brings with measures to provide reasonable notice of shifts and compensation for cancelled, moved or curtailed shifts. But the lack of key details on the face of the …
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Government Response Summary
The government declines to put all requested definitions into primary legislation, stating they are more suited to secondary legislation for flexibility, but confirms the Bill states the short notice period will not exceed seven days and will consult on regulations for other definitions and worker groups.
Department for Business and Trade
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12
Accepted in Part
Amend Trade Union Act sections to improve recognition ballot complaint and limitation periods.
Recommendation
Given that an expected consequence of the Employment Right Bill may be greater recognition ballot activity within workplaces, it is essential that ministers amend section 27B of Schedule 1A of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 to …
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Government Response Summary
The government is extending the time period for complaints related to an unfair practice during recognition ballots from one to five working days and will consult on a revised Code of Practice. However, it does not explicitly commit to shortening the limitation period for bargaining unit applications or to developing specific access agreement templates and better resourcing for businesses.
Department for Business and Trade
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13
Accepted in Part
Require transparency for recognition ballot spending and secure a long-term WERS replacement.
Recommendation
It is important that the impact of reform to industrial relations is both measurable and measured. We recommend that the Government bring transparency around industrial disputes in line with best practice elsewhere, including the United States, and requires parties involved …
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Government Response Summary
The government is extending the time for complaints related to unfair practices during recognition ballots and will consult on a revised Code of Practice. It states it is wary of placing additional burdens for disclosure on parties but will work to ensure appropriate data monitoring, and is considering options for a WERS replacement, including monitoring the feasibility of a linked employer-employee database.
Department for Business and Trade
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