Which of the following is a key piece of employment legislation?

The Employment Rights Act 1996 is a significant piece of employment legislation in the UK, as it lays down the rights of employees in relation to their work. This act covers a range of topics, including the right to a written statement of employment, protection against unfair dismissal, redundancy rights, and the right to a minimum notice period. It is fundamental in establishing the legal framework that protects employees from unfair treatment and ensures that their basic rights are upheld in the workplace.

The other options refer to different areas of legislation that, while important, do not specifically focus on employment rights. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 deals with environmental issues, the Defamation Act 2013 pertains to defamation law, and the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 is concerned with protecting vulnerable populations, particularly in contexts such as child safeguarding and healthcare. Each of these acts serves a distinct purpose but does not directly address worker rights and employment conditions in the same way the Employment Rights Act does.