From the first day in office, the government set out its commitment to creating jobs that provide security, treat workers fairly, and pay a decent wage. To help achieve this, the government committed to continuing to work closely in partnership with business and trade unions at ministerial and official level. This tripartite working has been embedded within the delivery of the Plan to Make Work Pay and as part of the development of the government’s landmark Employment Rights Bill.

This way of working has involved numerous engagement sessions to hear honest and diverse opinions from a range of perspectives and backgrounds. The expert and detailed insights and feedback gained from tripartite working has been invaluable in getting the detail right across the Plan to Make Work Pay and the Employment Rights Bill. From new rights on guaranteed hours, to sick pay, and to protection from unfair dismissal, trade union and business representatives have actively participated in informing policy development and will continue their involvement during the implementation. 

This collaborative approach has ensured that the development of the Plan to Make Work Pay and the Employment Rights Bill have benefited from the practical expertise and perspectives of representatives of employers and employees. DBT’s Ministers and Employment Rights Directorate has engaged with over 190 stakeholders; ensuring the government is engaging broadly and deeply. The resulting policies will represent the biggest upgrade in workers’ rights in a generation.

Key learnings

Early and extensive collaboration with key stakeholders is crucial for developing effective and well-received employment legislation. This approach should be sustained throughout policy development. Embedding tripartite working fosters a more comprehensive understanding of the issues and helps to mitigate unintended consequences.