In 2023, rather than new employment legislation coming from government, changes seem more likely to arise as a result of private members’ bills which have government support. The one exception is the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill and the Transport Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill. The latter, having recently received its First Reading, seems to have now been overtaken by a wider bill which would require workers in the transport, health, fire and ambulance and education sectors to work during strike action, which would allow an employer to deliver a minimum service. These are controversial measures, with challenges expected by the unions.

The government’s proposals and the bills are intended to meet a key objective: remove barriers for specific parts of the workforce, thereby improving career progression.

What to look out for and what does it mean for business?

• The Carers’ Leave Bill will give those responsible for dependants the right to up to one week’s unpaid leave (or up to a week used flexibly). This will be a day-one right. These new rights, alongside the changes to the flexible working regime, will add to existing entitlements including the right to emergency time off. Flexible working polices, particularly those which reflect the current statutory regime, will need to be revisited. In addition, an organisation’s flexible working practices and managers will need to be updated and briefed on the new obligations. Also in this area, the Neonatal Care...

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