Overhauling workers' rights could cost businesses around £5bn a year, the government has said. The Employment Rights Bill, which aims to tackle low pay and poor working conditions, is being debated by MPs today as it passes through its next stage in parliament.
However, Kevin Hollinrake, the shadow business secretary, criticised the bill as 'bad for jobs and wages' and 'particularly bad for small businesses'. He said 'day one rights' to sick pay and an employment tribunal as well as the right to demand a four-day week could be 'existential for many small businesses'. 'Labour need to stop, listen and think again, at the very least exempting SMEs from this catastrophe,' he posted on X.