Gareth Thomas MP, Member of Parliament for Harrow West, has welcomed the passing of the Employment Rights Act, marking a major step forward in bringing workers’ rights into the 21st century.
The new legislation means workers across Harrow West will benefit from stronger protections at work, as Labour’s landmark Employment Rights Bill has now passed into law.
The Act introduces a range of long-overdue measures, including ending exploitative zero-hours contracts, establishing day-one rights for paternity, parental and bereavement leave, strengthening statutory sick pay, and creating a new Fair Work Agency to uphold employment standards.
Gareth Thomas MP said the legislation represents a proud moment for the Labour Government, which has worked closely with trade unions and businesses to deliver generational improvements to workers’ rights while providing clarity and certainty for employers.
The legislation was passed despite sustained efforts by the Conservatives, Reform, Liberal Democrats and Green Party to block or water down these reforms. By repeatedly delaying progress, opposition parties sought to deny workers improved conditions and created unnecessary uncertainty for businesses.
Under Labour’s plans, changes to sick pay and paternity leave will be introduced by
April 2026, with further protections – particularly for the lowest-paid workers – rolled out in line with the Government’s delivery timetable.
The Act will also reduce the qualifying period for unfair dismissal from 24 months to six months, while maintaining existing day-one protections against discrimination and automatically unfair dismissal. This strikes a balance between giving workers greater security and allowing businesses time to adapt.
Gareth Thomas MP said:
“I’m delighted to be part of a Labour Government that has delivered vital upgrades to workers’ rights for employees across Harrow West.
“After speaking with local residents, I know how much of a difference these changes will make – providing greater security, better working conditions and more opportunity at work.
“These reforms also bring certainty for businesses in Harrow West, particularly those already doing the right thing by their staff, helping to level the playing field and improve staff retention.“After opposition parties tried to block and weaken these changes at every stage, I’m proud to have voted for legislation that delivers an economy which works for both workers and businesses.”
Minister for Employment Rights, Kate Dearden MP, said:
“I am delighted the Lords have passed the Employment Rights Bill. This is a historic moment that will make working life fairer, more secure and better for millions of people across the UK.”
Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle MP, said:
“The Employment Rights Bill has cleared its final parliamentary hurdle. This is legislation only a Labour government could deliver – long fought for by the wider labour movement.
“The work of implementation now begins, and I look forward to working with Trade Unions, businesses and civil society to make these changes a reality.”