In an open letter, organisations such as the Confederation of British Industry and British Chambers of Commerce voiced their concerns. Others joined them in warning that the legislation would hurt growth. They also cautioned it would encourage conflict. Their concerns? That providing workers with proper rights, like fair notice, is problematic. Offering guaranteed hours can be challenging. Protecting workers from unfair dismissal might somehow damage the economy.
Let’s not be fooled.
The Employment Rights Bill includes modest but much-needed reforms. It would clamp down on exploitative zero-hours contracts. It would extend sick pay to all. It would scrap the draconian Minimum Service Levels Act, which restricts workers’ ability to take lawful strike action. And it would make sure employees can’t be dismissed unfairly from the moment they start a job.
These aren’t radical demands. They’re basic standards in any society that values dignity and decency in the workplace.
Yet big business leaders claim these measures are too costly or burdensome. That offering stable hours to people who work regular shifts is ‘unnecessary admin’. That allowing staff to challenge unfair treatment will put employers off hiring. The same tired arguments were wheeled out decades ago when the minimum wage was introduced. They were wrong then, and they’re no more convincing now.
The truth is, good employers already treat their staff fairly. They value loyalty, stability, and wellbeing. It’s not fairness that threatens economic performance – it’s insecurity, low morale, and poor conditions. Reforms like these don’t stifle growth; they make it more sustainable.
Let’s also remember: these proposed changes are popular. Surveys show that managers and workers alike support stronger protections. They recognise that rights at work aren’t just about fairness – they’re essential for productivity, health, and trust.
The Bill itself is already a scaled-back version of what was promised in Labour’s original New Deal for Working People. Unfortunately, it falls short. That plan included meaningful sector-wide bargaining, proper enforcement, and an end to fire-and-rehire tactics. It aligned the UK with international labour standards. That’s the real vision we should be aiming for.
Further dilution of the current proposals would serve only one purpose. It would keep the door open for rogue employers to exploit vulnerable workers. To keep wages low, rights weak, and unions sidelined.
We need to stop pretending that the voices of corporate lobbyists are neutral or balanced. They represent those with the most to lose from fairer treatment of the people who keep this country running. These include the cleaners, carers, drivers, hospitality staff, engineers, and countless others.
Solidarity stands firmly behind the Employment Rights Bill. We call on the government to strengthen it, not strip it back. And we urge Parliament to stand with working people – not those clinging to a broken status quo.
Working people have waited long enough. Now is the time to deliver.
