The Employment Rights Bill, which introduces significant changes to UK labour law, has garnered both support and concern from businesses in Dorset. Key elements of the bill include a ban on exploitative zero-hours contracts and the practice of “fire and rehire.” From the first day of employment, workers will gain protection from unfair dismissal, access to statutory sick pay, and entitlements such as parental and bereavement leave. The reforms also seek to enhance flexible working, improve protections for pregnant workers, and ensure compliance with holiday pay regulations through a new Fair Work Agency.
Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: “This bill represents the biggest shake-up of employment rights in a generation. We understand the need for legislation to protect the rights of employees and ensure that they are all treated with respect and care in the workplace. However, employers in Dorset have concerns about how these measures would be implemented and the potentially damaging impact that they could have on their businesses, particularly in terms of day one rights.”
He added, “The new laws must achieve a fair balance that provides the right support for employees while encouraging businesses to recruit and allowing them to grow. We have been lobbying our local MPs and working with the British Chambers of Commerce, and will continue to make Dorset’s voice heard during the consultation process and passage of the bill.”
For more information, visit the Government’s Employment Rights Bill page
