The Conservatives released their manifesto on Tuesday this week. On a first glance, the manifesto did not include much by way of employment-related announcements.  However, we have included a summary of pledges that will impact working people and employers below. 

• As announced by Kemi Badenoch earlier this month, change the definition of “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 to mean biological sex.
• Reform the assessment system for, and reduce the number of individuals claiming, disability benefits.  Those with “moderate” mental health issues or mobility problems will be given tailored support to work rather than disability benefits.  Although not necessarily “employment-related”, organisations would need to be prepared to provide the relevant “return to work” support to those individuals affected by this change.
• Overhaul the “fit note” process by moving the responsibility for issuing fit notes from GPs to specialist work and health professionals. 
• Cut tax for workers by reducing employee national insurance contributions to 6%.
• Abolish the main rate of self-employed national insurance by the end of the next Parliament.
• Continue with the implementation of minimum service level agreements in relation to industrial action.