Fleur Anderson Welcomes New Employment Rights Act

Says it will make a 'real difference' to local residents and businesses

Fleur Anderson

December 19, 2025

Putney MP Fleur Anderson has welcomed the passing of the government’s new Employment Rights Act, describing it as a “historic” upgrade to workplace protections. The legislation, which completed its passage through Parliament this week, introduces a series of changes including the end of exploitative zero‑hours contracts, strengthened sick pay, and new day‑one rights to parental, paternity and bereavement leave.

The Act also establishes a new Fair Work Agency and reduces the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims from 24 months to six months, while retaining existing day‑one protections against discrimination and automatically unfair dismissal. The government says the measures will be phased in from April 2026, with further protections for low‑paid workers to follow.

Ms Anderson said the reforms would make a “real difference” to residents and businesses in her constituency.

“I’m delighted to be part of a Labour Government that has delivered upgrades to workers’ rights for employees right across London,” she said. “After speaking to local residents, 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 my constituency too… helping to improve retention of staff.”

Employment Rights Minister Kate Dearden described the legislation as a “historic moment”, while Business Secretary Peter Kyle said the Act would “bring our employment rights into the 21st century”.

Opposition parties, however, rejected the government’s claim that they had attempted to block or water down the legislation. A Conservative spokesperson said the government was “misrepresenting legitimate scrutiny as obstruction” and warned that the new rules could place additional burdens on small businesses.

Reform UK has argued the legislation risked “stifling flexibility” in the labour market.

The Employment Rights Act will now move into its implementation phase, with further consultations expected between government, trade unions and business groups over the coming year.