LEGISLATION
The UK government’s new Employment Rights Bill introduces significant reforms designed to improve working conditions, enhance job security, and support both businesses and workers.
These changes will affect everyone in the pest control industry, whether you run a business, work as a sole trader, or are employed by a pest control company.
Here’s what you need to know about the key changes and how they apply to business owners, sole traders, and employees.
For business owners
If you own a pest control company or employ staff, it’s essential to be aware of how these reforms might affect your business:
End of zero-hour contracts
If you employ workers on casual or zero-hour contracts, you’ll need to adapt.
The new law will require guaranteed hours for employees who work regular shifts, ensuring they have secure earnings while still allowing flexibility where needed
Unfair dismissal protections from day one
The two-year qualifying period for protection against unfair dismissal is being removed.
From the first day of employment, your staff will have the right to these protections, encouraging fair treatment and clear processes when managing personnel
Enhanced sick pay and leave
Statutory sick pay will be strengthened, with no lower earnings limit or waiting period.
Additionally, parental, paternity, and bereavement leave will be available from day one of employment, meaning you’ll need to factor in leave policies from the start
Flexible working as the default
Flexible working arrangements will become the norm.
While flexibility can be challenging in pest control due to client demands, you’ll need to consider how to balance flexibility with operational needs
New ‘Fair Work Agency’
This agency will help enforce rights such as holiday pay, and provide guidance to businesses.
It’s designed to ensure compliance and make it easier for employers to understand their obligations.
For sole traders
As a sole trader in pest control, the new Employment Rights Bill may not seem directly relevant at first glance, but there are still important points to consider:
Engaging subcontractors or casual workers
If you occasionally hire others to help with larger jobs, you’ll need to be aware of the new rules around zero-hour contracts and protections from unfair dismissal.
Subcontractors will now have stronger rights, including the right to request guaranteed hours if they work for you regularly
Flexibility and work-life balance
If you operate independently, flexible working policies might be less of a concern, but they could still impact your interactions with clients or contractors.
More clients might prefer flexible service times or expect faster responses due to the nature of their own work schedules
Understanding employment law for business growth
If you plan to expand your pest control business and hire staff, it’s vital to familiarise yourself with these new regulations.
Offering fair working conditions from the start will help you attract skilled employees and retain them long-term, ensuring the growth of your business.
For employees
If you’re an employee in the pest control industry, the new bill offers stronger protections and more rights, designed to make work fairer and more secure:
Zero-hour contract reforms
If you’re on a zero-hour or casual contract but regularly work consistent hours, you’ll now have the right to request a guaranteed hours contract, providing more stability in your income
Unfair dismissal protections
You’ll be protected against unfair dismissal from your first day on the job.
This ensures a higher level of security, making it easier to focus on your work without fear of losing your position unfairly
Stronger leave rights
From day one, you’ll be entitled to parental, paternity, and bereavement leave, meaning you won’t have to worry about qualifying periods to take time off for important life events.
Flexible working
Flexible working will become the default, giving you the opportunity to request a more adaptable schedule.
This could be particularly useful for balancing work with family commitments or other responsibilities
Improved sick pay
With no waiting period or earnings threshold, statutory sick pay will be available immediately when you need it, providing a safety net if you’re unable to work due to illness.
Offering fair working conditions from the start will help you attract skilled employees and retain them long-term, ensuring the growth of your business.
The Employment Rights Bill is considered a major step forward in creating fairer working conditions across the UK.
Whether you're running a pest control business, working independently, or employed in the sector, these changes will shape the way the industry operates, offering new opportunities for growth and stability.
At the BPCA, we’ll continue to support our members in navigating these changes and ensuring that everyone benefits from the new rights and protections.
Get in touch for support.
bpca.org.uk/quest