With the Employment Rights Bill expected to receive Royal Assent this summer, Build UK Partner Citation has published an overview of the reforms set out in the Bill to help construction employers understand the potential impact on their businesses and what they need to do to prepare. The Bill has been described by the Government as the ‘biggest upgrade to rights at work for a generation’, and the guide outlines each of the proposals which fall broadly into three categories: new rights and protections for workers; fair pay, terms and working conditions; and enforcement and trade unions.

Key reforms include removing the existing two‐year qualifying period for protection against unfair dismissal; introducing a ‘day one’ right to paternity, parental and bereavement leave and Statutory Sick Pay; and making flexible working the default for all employees unless an employer can prove it is unreasonable. The Citation guide is designed to help employers plan for the changes by reviewing their current processes, with a focus on more effective recruitment and induction of employees, and members will need to provide basic contact information to download it.

Further detail on many of the reforms will be provided through regulations after the Bill has received Royal Assent, with most of the policies expected to be in force by April 2026. The Government has published factsheets on each of the reforms which include responses to frequently asked questions by employers. Build UK members can access free advice from Citation on the changes required by the Bill and other employment law issues by calling 0161 504 0843 or requesting a call and stating they are a member of Build UK

Contract Terms Recommendation

• Fitness for Purpose – Do not include a ‘fitness for purpose’ standard of care for design (except in the process sector)
• Unquantifiable Risks – Do not include delay/loss and expense risk where not reasonably ascertainable for dealing with asbestos; fossils, antiquities and other objects of interest or value; unexploded ordnance; and the carrying out by statutory bodies of work in pursuance of their statutory obligations
• ‘Specified Perils’ – Do not include that ‘Specified Perils’ (as defined in JCT) will not give rise to extension of time where caused by the (sub-)contractor
• Breach of Contract – Do not include a blanket indemnity for breach of contract
• Uncapped Liabilities – Do not include uncapped (sub-)contractor liability (save for certain aggregate cap carve-outs)
• Performance Securities – Do not use a pure on-demand performance bond; a Parent Company Guarantee (PCG) which does not include a ‘no greater liability’ clause and equivalent rights of defence; or a collateral warranty which does not include a ‘no greater liability’ clause.

Creating a Digital Skills Passport

The Industry Training Board (ITB) Review undertaken by Mark Farmer recommended the development of an ‘industry-wide digital skills passport system’, which would enable Clients and other dutyholders under the Building Safety Act to demonstrate and enforce the competence of individuals appointed to work on their projects.

Infrastructure Bill

🏆 UK Fencing Industry Awards 2025 – Entries Now Open! 🏆
Entries are open until 31st July – so now’s the time to put your name forward and get the recognition you deserve!

With categories covering every corner of the industry, there’s a place for you:
🔹 Agricultural & Equine – sponsored by Tornado Wire
🔹 Apprentice – Siddall & Hilton
🔹 Project – Zaun
🔹 Domestic – DuraPost
🔹 Gates & Barriers – Door & Hardware Federation
🔹 Highways & Railways – Smart Awards
🔹 Industrial – IAE
🔹 Security – Barkers
🔹 Sports & Education – Alexandra
🔹 Temporary & Hoarding – Safe Road
🔹 Supplier of the Year (NEW!) – Scanpole

🎉 Join us on 13th November at the iconic Mercedes-Benz World for a night to remember – including a champagne reception and bar (sponsored by First Fence), a thrilling F1 simulator experience (courtesy of FH Brundle), a 3-course dinner, and a guest speaker you won’t want to miss (details to be revealed soon!).

🔗 Full entry info at: www.afiorg.uk