INDUSTRY
M A K E W O R K PAY
NEWS EXTRA
The Make Work Pay Plan: Key Insights for SMEs The Make Work Pay plan is a government initiative designed to enhance economic growth, improve living standards and create more opportunities in the UK
T
Delivery of Make Work
he Make Work
Flexible Working Hours
Pay plan is
The plan makes flexible working the
Pay Commitments
central to the
default option and tackles unfair
In autumn 2024, the government
government’s
work practices by banning exploitative
implemented some reforms through
mission to
zero-hours contracts, ending harmful
alternative methods, such as introducing
boost economic
“fire and rehire” tactics,
the Right to Switch Off via a statutory Code
growth, improve living standards
and strengthening protections
of Practice. These initiatives will continue to
nationwide and expand opportunities.
around collective redundancies.
progress alongside the Employment Rights Bill and continue after Royal Assent.
The initiative aims to help more people remain employed, enhance worker
Non-legislative actions include
productivity and raise overall living
removing age bands to establish a
standards. Here, we explore what it means for small business owners. In recent years, the UK has experienced a productivity slowdown. To address this, the government is focusing on modernising the UK labour market and reforming employment
The government is focusing on modernising the UK labour market
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supporting terminally ill employees through the Dying to Work Charter, updating health and safety guidance and developing employer guidance on menopause and health and wellbeing. Considering these significant changes, small business owners should review the
rights to combat growing job insecurity and stagnant living standards.
genuine living wage for all adult workers,
Sexual Harassment
Make Work Pay plan to fully understand
The plan includes stronger protections
the upcoming reforms and how they
against sexual harassment, introduces
may impact their operations. Staying
action plans for gender equality and
informed about these updates will help
“Day 1 rights” for Employees
menopause support and enhances
businesses adapt to new standards,
This includes immediate
rights for pregnant workers.
ensure compliance, and make the most of
eligibility for paternity leave,
The Make Work Pay plan also
potential support measures.
unpaid parental leave, and
emphasises family-friendly employment
protection from unfair dismissal,
rights, aims to strengthen Statutory
monitor timelines and dates closely
while still allowing probation periods
Sick Pay, establish the Fair Work
to implement changes as required,
for employers. It also introduces
Agency and introduce measures to
safeguarding both their employees’
bereavement leave.
update Trade Union laws.
rights and operational efficiency.
[08] JANUARY/FEBRUARY MAY 2022 www.dealersupport.co.uk 2025 www.dealersupport.co.uk
Business owners should also