In a landmark move set to reshape India’s labour landscape, govt notified the implementation of all four labour codes, bringing into effect one of the most ambitious labour reforms in the country’s post-independence history. The rollout marks the realisation of “One India, One Law”- a unified labour framework that replaces a century of fragmented statutes with a consolidated, modern regulatory system. The four legislations cover various aspects of wages, social security, occupational safety, health and working conditions and employee relations aspects.Together, these codes subsume 29 central labour laws into a single legal structure aimed at improving transparency, reducing compliance complexity and enabling uniformity across states. Under the earlier system, overlapping definitions, varying state amendments and multiple registrations created operational hurdles for both employers and workers. The new framework introduces standardised definitions, rationalised thresholds and digitised processes intended to streamline compliance across the country.While the codes are now in force nationwide, supporting rules under both central and state jurisdictions are still to be notified. The press release issued by govt clarifies that they would engage with the public and stakeholders in the development of rules, regulations, and schemes under the new codes. Additionally, to ease the transition, the release confirms that the relevant provisions of existing labour laws will remain in force during the transition period.Changes for industryThe implementation of the labour codes will fundamentally reshape workforce management across industries. By introducing a uniform definition of wages, organisations will face greater clarity in benefit calculations for gratuity, ESI, leave encashment, overtime and statutory bonus, reducing litigation risk but potentially increasing employment costs. This change demands a thorough review of salary structures and payroll systems to ensure compliance. Additionally, the broader definition of ‘worker’ will extend entitlements such as overtime, leave encashment, and retrenchment compensation to a wider employee base, requiring companies to reassess classifications and related policies.Changes for workersFor workers-particularly those in the unorganised, gig and platform sectors-the reforms mark an unprecedented expansion of protections. The code on wages ensures a statutory minimum wage for all categories of workers and prohibits gender-based wage discrimination. The Social Security Code extends benefits to gig workers, platform workers and fixed-term employees for the first time. A national database of unorganised workers and a dedicated Social Security Fund aim to enable targeted delivery of welfare benefits. The OSH Code enhances workplace safety norms, regulates working conditions and ensures portability of benefits for migrant workers.A new chapter for India’s labour ecosystemThe enforcement of the labour codes marks a pivotal moment in India’s economic reform journey. If implemented effectively, the unified framework promises greater transparency, stronger worker protections and a more predictable regulatory environment for businesses. While final state rules and clarifications are awaited, Friday’s notification marks the beginning of a new chapter – one where India’s labour laws, finally, speak in a single, coherent voice.(The writer is partner, people advisory services – tax, EY India)

A man experiencing homelessness said he hoped the government would focus on increasing accessibility to housing in its upcoming Budget.

Josh, 26, who is currently a resident at the night shelter Jimmy’s in Cambridge, said the availability of council housing and “move-on housing” – shared accommodation where people can receive support – was important.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver Labour’s second budget on 26 November.

Cambridge City Council received 1,139 homelessness applications between April 2024 and March 2025, which was a 13% rise on the previous year.

Josh said his focus was to get back into work after he completed his electrician qualifications, which he said were “just as hard as a degree in my opinion”.

He would like to see the Budget include more opportunities for continuing apprenticeships and more financial support for necessities such as course books.

Josh said he recently received a government grant to pay for essential job hunting equipment, such as a mobile phone, boots and suitable clothing.

He added that he would support a rise in taxes if they were spent on investing in public services, “especially the train lines into London”.

Andrew works in the security sector and lives in Peterborough in a home owned by the charity Hope Into Action.

The charity, which was set up in the city 15 years ago, owns 130 houses across the UK.

Andrew has beea living in one of the charity’s properties for two years, after experiencing homelessness for about “three or four months”.

“The charity saved my life,” he said.

He said renting in the private sector “can be expensive” but that people themselves have “got to budget as much as possible”.

Applications for housing to Peterborough City Council are also rising.

In 2024, it was contacted by 3,654 households facing homelessness, which was an 11% jump on the previous year.

And since 7 April this year, there have already been 2,333 approaches – an average of 70 a week.

The authority received nearly £1m last month to help tackle rough sleeping in the city.

Andrew said he recognised that public services needed to be paid for and that if tax rises needed to happen to pay for them then “you’ve got to make good” yourself.

HM Treasury was contacted for comment.