Those of you with (very) good memories may recall our previous articles both last year and the year before on the work of Matthew Taylor.  Mr Taylor has been tasked by Theresa May with the job of reviewing our employment laws and considering whether they are fit for purpose.

Having reported his findings, the Government has reflected on Mr Taylor’s conclusions and recently published its initial proposals for the action it intends to take as a consequence.  With effect from 6 April 2020, the Government is proposing that:

•    employers will have to provide a written statement of employment particulars from day one of employment to all workers and employees;
•    employers will be able to calculate a week's pay for holiday pay purposes by reference to a period of up to 52 weeks (rather than just 12 weeks);  this is particularly important to employers whose work is seasonal or otherwise fluctuates throughout the year;
•    the so called ‘Swedish Derogation’ is abolished, meaning that temping agencies will find it harder to avoid the impact of the Agency Workers Regulations 2010.

We will have to wait and see how and when the Government intends to implement other key legislative proposals advocated by Mr Taylor.  For example, we understand there are plans to simplify the test for identifying employment status and to grant additional rights to ‘zero hours’ workers.  Keep your eyes peeled for more information over the coming months.

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