14 August 2024

Labour’s ‘Plan to Make Work Pay’: five changes you need to know about


The election of a new Labour government is set to bring huge changes to workers’ rights in the UK. Labour have published their "Plan to Make Work Pay – A New Deal for Working People", and in their election manifesto they committed to putting this plan in place in full.


There are a few points in the plan that could have a big impact on care businesses – and the scale and speed of the change means you’ll need to be prepared to see the benefits of these changes. So, the Employment Law experts at Citation have taken a look at five changes that might affect care businesses the most.


1.       Day one rights: unfair dismissal rights from the get-go

The Labour government will remove the service requirement to make the right to claim unfair dismissal a day one right, which employees have to currently wait two years to earn.


2.       The Fair Work Agency: a single enforcement body for employment rights

Labour will introduce a new single enforcement body, likely called the Fair Work Agency, which will bring all labour market enforcement within one organisation and will include union and TUC representation.


3.       Zero-hours contracts: an end to one-sided flexibility

Labour have committed to ensuring all jobs provide a baseline level of security and predictability and will ban “exploitative zero-hours contract. They’ll also introduce new measures to make sure all workers get reasonable notice of changes to shifts or working hours.


4.       Extended tribunal time limits: from three months to six months.

The government plan to increase the time limit for bringing an employment tribunal claim from three months to six months, to help certain groups of people who might struggle to get advice and support in time to make their claim.


5.       Pay reforms: changes to National Minimum Wage and Statutory Sick Pay

The current age bands for National Minimum Wage will be removed, and the lower earnings limit on SSP will be removed to make it available to all workers, as well as removing the current three-day waiting period, so it will be payable from the first day of sickness absence.



Want to know more about the rest of the proposed changes? Download the full Citation guide here, covering 30 key proposals set out in Labour’s plans.


Citation – by your side.


There’s a lot of change in store this year – so now’s the right time to make sure you’re keeping up with it. As a WMCA partner, we’re a trusted provider in the industry – so you can have faith that we know how to help you manage the challenges unique to your care

setting.


Check out the full Citation guide to key election takeaways, or for more support on all things HR, just give us a call on 0345 844 1111 and quote ‘WMCA’ to access your preferential rates.

 

Share

2 May 2025
Terms of Reference for the Baroness Casey Social Care Commission Today (2 May 2025), the government published the Terms of Reference for Baroness Casey of Blackstock’s independent commission into adult social care. The Terms of Reference set out that the commission will report directly to the Prime Minister and will be split over 2 phases: Phase 1, reporting in 2026, will focus on how we can make the most of existing resources to improve people’s lives over the medium term. Phase 2, reporting by 2028, will then consider the long-term transformation of adult social care, setting us on the road to fundamental reform that will build a social care system fit for the future.  An easy read version of the terms of reference will be available soon. Terms of Reference: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-commission-into-adult-social-care-terms-of-reference
1 May 2025
Care Sector Events 2025 - Care Roadshow Midlands Attention West Midlands Care Association members! Registration is now open for Care Roadshow Midlands , set to take place at Villa Park Stadium on 15th May 2025 . This is your exclusive invitation to join the vibrant care community! Get your FREE ticket here. Care Roadshows return this May set to support care professionals across the Midlands. As part of the trusted Care Roadshows series, these free events offer essential insights, expert guidance and valuable networking opportunities for those working across the care sector. Since 2011, Care Roadshows have helped care home owners, domiciliary providers, managers and healthcare teams stay informed, connected and inspired. The 2025 events continue this mission - bringing together leading speakers, innovative suppliers and practical solutions at two iconic venues. If you are looking for care sector events in 2025 that deliver real value for your service, Care Roadshow Midlands is not to be missed.
30 April 2025
Revenue and Customs Brief 2 (2025): the use of VAT grouping within the care industry
30 April 2025
Citation: Employment Law Changes - FREE Employment Rights Bill Guide
30 April 2025
Tax update spring 2025: simplification, administration and reform summary The government has announced a package of tax and customs administration and simplification measures that will collectively reduce administrative burdens to save taxpayers and traders time, and will increase certainty, allowing businesses to focus on adding value to the economy. The package covers measures to support economic growth by reducing burdens on employers and increasing certainty for businesses. It aims to modernise and reform HMRC systems and processes to simplify the experience for individuals and traders and covers measures to modernise outdated elements of the tax and customs system and tackle the backlog of reform. Read more here.
30 April 2025
Dignity in Planning Conversations that Matter Online Event - 15th May 2025 - 13.00-15.00
30 April 2025
Care Can't Wait: New Campaign to change the story on Adult Social Care The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) has today launched a bold new public awareness campaign called Care Can’t Wait to help change the way the public and politicians view adult social care and support. The campaign will feature powerful short films and photography of people across England whose lives have been transformed by high-quality adult social care. These stories show how care enables people to live the lives they want in their homes and communities. Jess McGregor, incoming ADASS President and Executive Director of Adults and Health at Camden Council , launched the campaign at the Association’s annual conference Spring Seminar. She said: “Social care is about people – people living full, meaningful lives, not just surviving. Good care supports people to do the things they love, to stay connected, and to be active members of their communities. “But delays, underfunding, and misunderstanding are holding us back. Care can’t wait – and neither can the people who depend on it.” Changing the narrative With public polling showing low public awareness and understanding of adult social care, this campaign aims to set the record straight by showing it in fact supports millions of adults, including working-age disabled people, people with mental health challenges enabling them to live their lives on their own terms. By platforming people who draw on care and support and supporting them to tell their stories, the campaign challenges outdated perceptions and shows the positive impact high quality social care can have. The campaign launch features a film of Abbie-Jo Laurence, 36, from Wiltshire, who draws on care and support to live and work independently. She shares her personal experiences and hopes for a system that enables everyone to thrive. Over the coming months, more stories will be shared from across the country, showing the diversity of care and the strength of the people who draw on it. “I want people to see that social care isn’t something that happens to other people,” said Abbie-Jo. “It could be you, your partner, your child, or your neighbour. We all deserve to live well – and care makes that possible.” Engaging the public “This campaign is about changing hearts and minds,” said McGregor. “We want to show the human impact of good care – and what’s at risk when it’s not available. These are real stories from real people, and they deserve to be heard.” As part of the campaign, ADASS is calling on members of the public to visit www.adass.org.uk/care-cant-wait and to: Watch and share the films across social media and with family and friends Sign the campaign hand raiser to support the campaign and receive updates on how to get involved. Talk about social care with friends, family and colleagues Champion reform by urging our leaders to improve and invest in adult social care and support. For further information, contact Vicky Smith, Communications and Public Affairs Officer at ADASS - vicky.smith@adass.org.uk or call 020 7072 7430.
29 April 2025
Last Chance to Book! Fire Prevention in Your Service Users Home Training Event 29 April 2025
Show More