Ahead of the second reading of the Employment Rights Bill in the House of Lords this afternoon, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: 

“While the government has consulted with business, and listened to concerns, the legislation still does not strike the right balance.  

“Some of the proposals are deeply worrying for employers.  There’s a high risk of unintended consequences that could limit employment opportunities and economic growth. 

“To grow our economy, firms must have the flexibility to deal with challenges and opportunities. Government needs to help businesses innovate, adopt new technologies and be more productive and competitive. By adding more restrictions, complexity, costs and delays, the Bill jeopardises all of this – creating a lose-lose scenario for everyone in the workplace. 

“While there many are things in the legislation that reflect what good businesses are doing already, there are other specific proposals that need to be amended.  Planned changes to dismissal rules, trade union ballot thresholds and zero hours contracts, for example, are some of the critical areas that need to be revisited in the next stage of the parliamentary process.  

“The government must continue its positive approach to engagement with business and remain open to changes. Only then can it ensure this legislation is proportionate, affordable and right for both firms and their employees.”