Leading employment experts and major employers have said there is “nothing to fear” from the Government’s Employment Rights Bill, arguing that the reforms will support fairer workplaces, boost productivity and bring the UK closer in line with international employment standards.
The comments came during a roundtable held in Parliament on Tuesday 11 November — the same day new figures revealed unemployment had risen to 5%, the highest rate for a decade outside the pandemic period. Hosted by the Policy Liaison Group on Workplace Wellbeing and attended by Labour MP Katrina Murray, the discussion explored how the Bill could help shape a stronger and more inclusive labour market.
Participants agreed that the Bill represents a long-overdue modernisation of the UK’s fragmented employment law framework. While critics have suggested the legislation will place extra burdens on employers, attendees noted that many of the reforms — including day-one protection from unfair dismissal, enhanced sick pay and parental leave, and stronger anti-harassment measures — are already routine among responsible employers.
The real challenge, experts argued, lies not in the reforms themselves but in the practical implementation, including updating HR systems, payroll processes and internal policies. However, this is eased by a staged, sector-by-sector rollout, which businesses welcomed as a sensible and collaborative approach to major employment change.
The Bill’s proposal for a new nine-month statutory probationary period was also well received, described as striking the right balance between protecting employees and allowing employers adequate flexibility. Attendees said clearer rules and stronger protections would improve recruitment and retention while supporting wellbeing and productivity. As one contributor put it: “good work is good business”.
Gethin Nadin, Chair of the Policy Liaison Group on Workplace Wellbeing, said rising unemployment made cooperation between employers and government more important than ever: “Good employers have nothing to fear from good work. This Bill builds confidence, sets clear expectations and rewards those who lead by example.”
He encouraged employers to engage openly with the Bill to reduce unnecessary misconceptions.
Abigail Vaughan, CEO of Zellis, highlighted the need to simplify areas where multiple pieces of legislation overlap: “The key test now is implementation. Reviewing opportunities to simplify maternity and parental leave rules would help reduce honest mistakes, protect vulnerable workers and limit confusion.”
Janet Williamson, Head of Corporate Governance and Collective Bargaining, said: “The Employment Rights Bill will help the UK catch up with other leading economies. It strengthens essential protections and provides businesses with a more transparent and consistent framework.”
She added that employers would benefit from lower turnover, reduced absenteeism and stronger productivity: “When people have fair, secure and predictable work, organisations perform better.”
