Leading employment specialists and major UK employers have voiced support for the Government’s Employment Rights Bill, describing it as a tool to strengthen workplaces, boost productivity, and align UK labour laws with international standards.
The comments were made during a roundtable in Parliament on Tuesday, 11 November, hosted by the Policy Liaison Group on Workplace Wellbeing. The event coincided with the release of new figures showing unemployment had risen to 5%, the highest rate outside the pandemic period in a decade. Labour MP Katrina Murray attended the discussion, which focused on how the Bill could shape a more inclusive and resilient labour market.
Participants agreed that the legislation represents a long-overdue update to the UK’s fragmented employment law framework. While critics have argued that the reforms could create extra burdens for employers, experts at the roundtable highlighted that many of the proposed changes are already standard practice for responsible organisations. These include day-one protection from unfair dismissal, enhanced sick pay and parental leave, and stronger anti-harassment measures.
Speakers emphasised that the main challenge for businesses lies in practical implementation. Updating HR systems, payroll processes, and internal policies will be necessary, but the planned sector-by-sector rollout was welcomed as a measured and cooperative approach.
The Bill’s introduction of a nine-month statutory probationary period was highlighted as a positive step, offering a balance between employee protection and employer flexibility. Attendees argued that clearer rules and stronger protections could improve recruitment and retention while promoting employee wellbeing and productivity. One participant summed up the discussion by saying, “Good work is good business.”
Gethin Nadin, Chair of the Policy Liaison Group, said the current economic climate made collaboration between employers and government especially important. “Good employers have nothing to fear from good work. This Bill builds confidence, sets clear expectations, and rewards those who lead by example,” he said, encouraging organisations to engage openly with the reforms to avoid misconceptions.
Abigail Vaughan, CEO of Zellis, stressed the importance of simplifying overlapping legislation, particularly around maternity and parental leave. “Reviewing opportunities to simplify these rules would help reduce honest mistakes, protect vulnerable workers, and limit confusion,” she said.
Janet Williamson, Head of Corporate Governance and Collective Bargaining, added that the Bill could help the UK catch up with other advanced economies. “It strengthens essential protections and provides businesses with a more transparent and consistent framework,” she said, noting that fair and secure working conditions could lower staff turnover, reduce absenteeism, and improve productivity.
The roundtable highlighted that while challenges remain in rolling out the Employment Rights Bill, many experts and employers view it as an opportunity to modernise labour protections and support a stronger, more productive workforce in the UK.
