From 6 April 2020, the requirement to issue and update contracts for workers will change.
As part of the Good Work Plan and the government’s response to the Taylor Review of Modern Working Practices, changes to Section 1 Statements will take effect from April 2020. These are summarised below.
Employers are currently obliged to provide employees with a written statement if their employment will continue for more than one month.
From 6 April 2020, there will be no minimum service requirement and the obligation will be extended to workers as well as employees.
The government’s intention is to ensure that workers can access fair and decent work, that both employers and workers have clarity on the employment relationship, and that the enforcement system is fair and fit for purpose.
Above all, the ambition is to protect vulnerable workers and improve workers' understanding of their rights.
Employers must provide a written statement of particulars to all workers, as well as employees, for all new joiners on or after 6 April 2020.
The majority of written particulars must be provided in a single document on or before the date on which the employment starts (that is, it becomes a ‘day 1 right’). These must include:
The following information is usually given in the principal statement. It used to be the case that the following information could be given up to 2 months after employment commencing. It must now be given with the principal statement:
KPMG advises on all aspects of employment law and provide a range of services in a practical and commercial manner. For further advice on the April 2020 changes, contact Donna Sharp, Director and Solicitor, Employment Legal Services at KPMG in the UK or email employersclub@kpmg.co.uk.
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