BRC urges MPs to avoid hiring barriers in Employment Rights Bill

The Bill, which seeks to strengthen employment protections in areas such as zero hours contracts, fire and rehire, flexible working, and unfair dismissal, completed its main passage through the House of Lords between March 4, 2025, and September 3, 2025, before being returned to the House of Commons for the next stage in the legislative process, known as ‘ping pong’.  On October 28, members of the Lords then considered the amendments made by MPs to their earlier proposals.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, said the retail sector supports the Bill’s aim to prevent unfair treatment of workers, but said that measures such as Day One Rights and Guaranteed Hours risk ‘inhibiting hiring’ and limiting part-time and flexible roles.

“Half of retail’s three million colleagues currently work part-time, and this flexibility allows them to work as much or as little as they need, balancing their career around other life commitments,” Dickinson said.

Peers previously tabled amendments addressing qualifying criteria for guaranteed hours, payment for cancelled work, and protections for whistleblowers, among other issues. Several key changes were approved by the Lords, including adjustments to the definition of seasonal work and the qualifying period for unfair dismissal, UK Parliament said in a release.

“The Bill’s return to the Commons is the moment for MPs to avoid such unintended consequences by supporting the practical amendments tabled by peers last week,” Dickinson added urging the Government to avoid compressing the consultation and implementation timetable if Royal Assent is delayed.

“It is critical Ministers commit to quality engagement with high-employment industries so we can work constructively with Government and other important stakeholders to ensure the Bill is fit for purpose, protecting employment opportunities as well as employees,” Dickinson said in a release.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (HU)