The UK Government’s Employment Rights Bill has today passed through both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, marking a significant legislative milestone and clearing the way for the bill to become law.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the development following the parliamentary votes, describing it as a major moment for working people across the country. Writing shortly after the bill passed, he said: We did it. We have just introduced the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation. Today our plans passed through parliament, and will soon become law. This is a major victory for working people in every part of the country.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner also welcomed the outcome, confirming the bill’s approval in both chambers. She said: Proud that the Employment Rights Bill has now passed the Commons AND the Lords. The biggest boost to rights at work in a generation. A historic achievement for this Labour Government.
With parliamentary approval secured, the bill will now proceed to the final formal stages before receiving Royal Assent, after which it will become law. Further details on implementation dates and secondary legislation are expected to be set out in due course.
The passage of the Employment Rights Bill represents one of the most significant changes to the UK’s employment framework in recent years and will have implications for employers and workers across all sectors, including construction, infrastructure and the wider built environment.
For the construction sector, the passage of the Employment Rights Bill is expected to bring increased focus on worker protections, employment status and site practices, particularly where agency labour, subcontracting and short-term engagements are common.
While further detail is awaited, the legislation is likely to influence how construction workers are engaged, managed and protected on site, with contractors and employers needing to review compliance, workforce arrangements and employment procedures as the new framework is implemented.
