Enhanced Dismissal Protections for Pregnant Women and New Mothers

VODG continues to be around the table with policy makers on the Fair Pay Agreement and other changes to employment rights, ensuring the perspective of VCFSE organisations providing care and support for disabled people is fully represented in the process.

VODG continues to inform plans for a Fair Pay Agreement for Adult Social Care, through the Care Provider Alliance and by bringing VODG members together in an Employment Rights Sounding Board.

The government has responded to the draft code of practice consultation setting out its position on enforcement, employer commitments and proportionality.

In this update we flag our Employment Rights Sounding Board meeting, share developments on the Casey Commission, the Health Bill and what follows the Prime Minister’s resignation. We also cover party conferences, opportunities to input into our response on the mental health strategy, and a range of sector news.

The Government is currently seeking views on the employment rights that are available to people with unpaid caring responsibilities and parents who have a seriously ill child. Closing date 1 September 2026.

This week’s Trowers Tuesday will explore the consultation that was recently released on the zero hours workers provisions under the Employment Rights Act 2025 and what it means for employers.

VODG will be working with our Employment Rights Act Sounding Board to draft a joint response. Details to follow. Closing date 25 August.

Anthony Collins has produced two helpful blogs about the consultation on the proposed guaranteed hours offer regime and right to reasonable notice and short notice compensation for shifts, noting that with many details unconfirmed, there is opportunity for employers to respond regarding issues that will arise both operationally and administratively with the proposed changes.

The consultation invites views on how new rights established by the Employment Rights Act 2025 should be implemented, including guaranteed hours, reasonable notice of shifts and the right to short notice payments.

New trade union workplace access rights, processes, guidance and enforcement under Employment Rights Act 2025.

The new Agency will bring together enforcement of key employment rights under a single body, marking a significant shift in the regulatory landscape. Trowers Tuesday look at its proposed role and powers, and the areas it is expected to focus on.

In this update: call to action to engage with ICB leads on neighbourhood health, the Independent Expert Panel on transitions, and a busy week for employment rights and SEND in Parliament.

Employment Rights Act reforms reshape social care employment through stronger unions, worker protections, collective bargaining.

Overview of upcoming UK employment law reforms, timelines, consultations, and new employer equality reporting duties.