Stephen Morgan MP has welcomed the announcement that workers across Portsmouth will benefit from better workers’ rights, with this Labour Government’s landmark Employment Rights Bill passed into legislation.
This newly passed legislation introduces key new measures to bring workers’ rights into the 21st century, including ending exploitative zero hours contracts; establishing day one rights for paternity, parental and bereavement leave; strengthening statutory sick pay; and establishing a new Fair Work Agency.
The Local MP celebrated this proud moment for this Labour Government, which has worked closely with businesses and trade unions to deliver these generational upgrades to workers’ rights.
The new laws come despite consistent efforts from the Conservatives, Reform, Liberal Democrats and Green Party to block and water down this legislation. By putting up barriers at every point, these opposition parties have not only attempted to delay and deny the implementation of better working conditions for employees but also created uncertainty and caused economic harm for local businesses.
The new measures mean that sick pay and paternity leave changes are set to be introduced by April 2026, with additional protections, including for Britain’s lowest paid workers.
Through constructive conversations between trade unions and business representatives, this law will also introduce a qualifying period for unfair dismissal, reduced from 24 months to 6 months (whilst maintaining existing day one protection against discrimination and automatically unfair grounds for dismissal) to ensure employees are given more security at work, whilst businesses are given more time to prepare for these changes.
Commenting, Stephen Morgan MP for Portsmouth South said:
“I’m delighted to be part of a Government that has delivered upgrades to workers’ rights for employees right across Portsmouth.
“After speaking to local people, I’ve heard how much of a difference this will make to their lives – offering more security, better working conditions and increasing opportunity at work.
“These laws will strengthen certainty for businesses in our community too – benefitting those brilliant businesses in Portsmouth already treating their workers right, levelling the playing field and helping to improve retention of staff.
“After opposition parties all attempted to block and water down these transformative upgrades to workers’ rights, I’m proud to have voted for this legislation, delivering an economy that works for both businesses and workers alike”
Minister for Employment Right, 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 a piece of legislation only a Labour government could bring and long fought for by many of my colleagues and the wider movement. It will being our employment rights into the 21st century with many of these measures long overdue. “The hard work of implementing it starts now. I look forward to working with trade unions, business and civil society to make it a reality.”
