UK Government Delays Major Workers’ Rights Reforms Until 2027

The UK government has delayed several key workers' rights reforms until 2027 following strong opposition from business groups concerned about the economic impact and complexity of the changes. Measures postponed include granting employees the right to protection from unfair dismissal from their first day, banning exploitative zero-hours contracts, and expanding access to flexible working such as the right to work from home. The government has instead adopted a phased rollout, with some less contentious reforms like repealing the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 and improving whistleblowing protections set to take effect sooner. Business leaders argue the delay is necessary to prevent a surge in tribunal claims and to ease the burden on employers, while Labour officials defend the reforms as the biggest upgrade to workers' rights in a generation. Despite the delay, the government plans to establish the Fair Work Agency by April and continue consultations on implementation details. Critics, including Conservative opposition figures, warn the bill gives too much power to trade unions and risks harming economic recovery.