King’s Speech signals major employment law changes ahead in U.K.

Compliance officers should take note of proposed laws in the U.K. with the newly elected Labor government setting the legislative agenda in the King’s Speech last week, promising consultations on enhanced employee rights and a higher minimum wage.

One significant change introduced is the Employment Rights Bill, which promises full employment rights to all workers from their first day.

“The devil will be in the detail, but this proposal will create challenges for employers who will have to consider how they onboard staff and their induction processes,” said Lorraine Laryea, chief standards officer at the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC). “This will make it more important than ever that they hire the right people.”