Tonia Antoniazzi MP celebrates passing of the Employment Rights Act, delivering long‑overdue protections for workers across Gower

Tonia Antoniazzi MP for Gower has welcomed the passing of the Labour Government’s landmark Employment Rights Act, which introduces the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation and brings protections into the 21st century.
 
The new legislation delivers a series of transformative measures including:

• Ending exploitative zero‑hours contracts
• Introducing day‑one rights for parental leave, paternity leave, and bereavement leave
• Strengthening statutory sick pay
• Establishing a new Fair Work Agency to enforce workplace rights
• Reducing the unfair dismissal qualifying period from 24 months to 6 months (while maintaining day‑one protection against discrimination and automatically unfair dismissal)

​Ms Antoniazzi welcomed the legislation as a “historic step forward” for working people in Gower and across Wales.
 
Tonia said, “I’m delighted to be part of a Labour Government that has delivered major upgrades to workers’ rights for employees right across Gower. After speaking to constituents, I know how much of a difference these changes will make, giving people more security, better working conditions, and increased opportunity at work.
 
“These laws will also strengthen certainty for local businesses in Gower, particularly those already doing the right thing by their staff. Levelling the playing field will help improve retention, boost productivity, and support a fairer local economy.
 
“I’m proud to have voted for this legislation, despite attempts by opposition parties to block or water down these transformative reforms. This Act delivers an economy that works for both businesses and workers alike.”
 
The legislation passed Parliament despite consistent attempts by the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Reform UK and the Green Party to weaken or delay the measures. These efforts created unnecessary uncertainty for employers and risked further harm to local economies.
 
Under the new timetable, improved sick pay provisions and changes to paternity leave will come into force by April 2026, with additional rights including protections for the lowest‑paid workers.
 
The reforms were developed through extensive discussions with trade unions, business representatives, and employment rights advocates to ensure a balanced, workable package for both employees and employers.
 
Minister for Employment Rights, Kate Dearden MP, said “I am delighted the Lords have passed the Employment Rights Bill. This is a historic moment that will make working life fairer, more secure and better for millions of people across the UK.”
 
Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle MP, added “The Employment Rights Bill has cleared its final parliamentary hurdle. This is legislation only a Labour government could deliver. Our employment rights are now firmly in the 21st century, and the hard work of implementing them starts today.”