Passing of workers’ rights bill brings some certainty – Chamber

The Government’s Employment Rights Bill must be implemented in a way that improves security for staff while sustaining a “competitive, confident, local economy”, business leaders said today.

The flagship bill passed its last parliamentary hurdle yesterday and is set to become law before Christmas.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the development marked a “major victory for working people in every part of the country”.

The bill – which applies to England, Scotland and Wales, but not Northern Ireland - will give workers access to sick pay and paternity leave from the first day on the job and contains new protections for pregnant women and new mothers.

In November, the Government amended its plan to give all workers the right to claim unfair dismissal from their first day in a job, following consultation with business groups including the British Chambers of Commerce.  

But the bill does contain additional rights from day one in employment, and enhanced protections against unfair dismissal from six months.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce said the passing of the bill will bring much-needed certainty for local employers.

Now attention turns to the implementation of the bill.

Emily Stubbs (pictured), head of policy at the GBCC, said: “Greater Birmingham businesses want fair, predictable rules that support opportunity and growth.

“Despite some concerns about the powers contained in the Employment Rights Bill, yesterday’s passage of the Bill provides welcome certainty for local employers and workers alike.

“Businesses have engaged constructively throughout the legislative process, including most recently through the joint letter coordinated by the British Chambers of Commerce urging Parliament to conclude the Bill in order to secure a compromise on a six-month qualifying period for unfair dismissal.

“The journey now moves to implementation - many details will be set through secondary legislation and guidance, so timely clarity is essential - especially on guaranteed‑hours offers for zero and low‑hours contracts.

“Our immediate priorities now are enabling firms to prepare for the implementation of the Bill, and working with government on proportionate enforcement, tribunal capacity and the new Fair Work Agency so changes are workable for SMEs across our region.

“This new legislation must be implemented in a way that improves security for staff and sustains a competitive, confident local economy.”