Search

How can we help?

Icon

The Queen’s Speech 2019 – Employment Law Implications

The key point from an employment law perspective is the introduction of the Employment Bill which will seek to introduce changes including:

  • Greater predictability in workers’ contracts with workers being able to request a more stable contract after they have completed 26 weeks of service
  • The extension of the pregnancy and maternity ‘protected period’ for discrimination purposes in relation to redundancy situations meaning that women will be protected from the point they notify their employer that they are pregnant until 6 months after their maternity leave ends
  • Making flexible working the default position to help encourage flexibility in the workplace
  • Ensuring tips go to workers and the creation of a Code of Practice to ensure that these are paid out fairly

Employment Law Implications

These recommendations reflect points that have been raised previously by government and so they shouldn’t come as a surprise.   Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see how companies implement these proposals.

If you need help with any changes expected for 2020, please get in touch with our Employment Team.

Disclaimer
This information is for guidance purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice. Please refer to the full General Notices on our website.

Author profile

About this article

Read, listen and watch our latest insights

art
  • 10 September 2025
  • Commercial Real Estate

Trouble at the Table: The Challenges Facing the UK Hospitality Sector in the run up to Christmas 2025

The UK hospitality sector, long celebrated for its vibrancy and resilience, is facing a perfect storm of economic, operational, and structural challenges in 2025.

art
  • 09 September 2025
  • Commercial Real Estate

Le bail commercial anglais: quelques points essentiels à considérer

Typiquement, les baux commerciaux en Angleterre sont de court terme, d’une durée de 5 ou 10 ans, avec un loyer de marché et des ajustements du loyer périodiques en fonction de l’inflation ou d’autres facteurs. 

art
  • 09 September 2025
  • Corporate and M&A

The Failure to Prevent Fraud Offence – be prepared to avoid criminal liability

The failure to prevent fraud offence is a new corporate offence which has come into force on 1 September 2025.

art
  • 08 September 2025
  • Employment

Can employers still make changes to contracts after the Employment Rights Bill?

The short answer is yes but it will be much more difficult for employers following the introduction of the Employment Rights Bill because their ability to fairly dismiss employees who do not agree contractual changes is being restricted. 

art
  • 05 September 2025
  • Privacy and Data Protection

When Ignoring a DSAR Becomes a Criminal Offence

On 3 September 2025, Mr Jason Blake appeared at Beverley Magistrates Court and was fined for failing to respond to a data subject access request (DSAR).

art
  • 04 September 2025
  • Commercial Real Estate

Under the Hammer: essential tips for property auctions

This article explores the key considerations to keep in mind when selling or purchasing a property at auction.