There are a number of pieces of proposed legislation on the horizon, although the time frames for them becoming law are not clear yet:
Employment General
The Employment Bill that was announced in the 2019 Queen’s Speech was delayed due to the pandemic. The Bill proposes to make provision for a new definition of “worker” broadening the rights of workers; a copy of the Employment Bill can be accessed here.
Family-Friendly employment legislation
Paternity (Leave and Pay) Bill seeks to extend eligibility to paternity leave and pay; and make provision for more flexibility in the timing of, and notice period for, paternity leave. The second reading of this Bill is scheduled for 18 March 2022.
Bereavement (Leave and Pay) is designed to address the need for statutory paid bereavement leave for all employees on the death of a close family member or partner. The next stage of this Bill is due to take place on 25 February 2022.
Kinship Care (Parental Leave) Bill proposes to make provision for parental leave for kinship carers who take on responsibility for children whose parents are unable to care for them. The second reading of this Bill is scheduled to take place on 14 January 2022.
Employment (Caring Leave) Bill is set to introduce a new statutory right to one week’s unpaid leave to employees who are unpaid carers, for caring purposes. The second reading is schedule for 4 February 2022.
This article was co-written by Jenna Alexander, Trainee Solicitor.