A large number of political areas and manifesto pledges have an impact on employment law. From Brexit and immigration to tax and pensions, employers are likely to be watching the outcome of the election closely. Here is an overview of where the parties stand on a few main issues:
Time off
An increase to time off appears to be a hot topic with the major political parties. The Conservatives have pledged to introduce a year’s unpaid leave to allow workers to care for relatives and will also introduce 2 weeks’ paid bereavement leave for parents whose child dies. Labour have announced they will introduce four new bank holidays, in honour of the four patron saints, that will be offered in addition to statutory holiday entitlement. They will also increase paternity leave from two to four weeks, as will the Liberal Democrats.
Pay
Pay is always an important issue for voters and this election proves no different. The Conservatives have repeated their pledge to support National Living Wage to rise in line with average earnings until 2022. Labour have gone further and announced their intention to raise minimum wage to £10 per hour for everyone aged over 18 by 2020. They will also ban unpaid internships and abolish tribunal fees. The Liberal Democrats have promised to remove public sector pay caps and the Green Party will make the minimum wage a living wage for all.
Contracts and the ‘gig economy’
The Conservative manifesto is quiet on this particular area although the chair of their report in to modern employment practices is expected to recommend having a right to request guaranteed hours for those on zero-hours contracts. In comparison, the Labour party have pledged to make zero hours contracts unlawful and will provide more protection for those on low hour contracts. The Liberal Democrats will stamp out abuse of zero-hours contracts by giving workers the right to ask for a fixed contract after a certain time period.
