Union engagement gives firms the edge on new employment rights, says UNISON

Companies that engage early with unions and staff on new employment rights will benefit most from upcoming changes, according to UNISON.

The union has written to large outsourcing firms including Serco, Sodexo, ISS and Mitie, inviting talks on how to implement Labour’s Employment Rights Bill as it goes through parliament.

The Government’s package is set to include a fair pay agreement for social care, an end to zero-hours contracts and fire and rehire practices, and better union access in workplaces. 

UNISON said the reforms are overdue and will improve the lives of millions. 

The union added that good employers and their leaders have nothing to fear from the changes.

In a letter to the UK’s biggest outsourcing firms, Christina McAnea, general secretary at UNISON, listed better staff retention, more training opportunities and an improved reputation as clear advantages for companies who work closely with unions.

McAnea said: “The Employment Rights Bill is the most significant piece of employment legislation in a generation and will make a real difference to the lives of millions of people.

“The reforms are popular, long overdue and exactly what this country needs.