Business Wary As New Employment Rights Become Law 

18th December 2025

Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy at the BCC, reacts to news that the Employment Rights Bill has received Royal Assent

Reacting to news that the Employment Rights Bill has received Royal Assent, Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy at the BCC, said: 

“It has already been a long journey for the Employment Rights Bill to become law, but we still have a considerable distance to go on this odyssey. 

“Royal Assent is a key milestone as it allows businesses, the unions and government to now focus on getting the detail right, to ensure?everyone is ready for the coming changes. 

“The consultation on the secondary legislation, which will govern much of the day-to-day practicalities of employment rights, is now going to be vital. 

“Businesses are clear they still have major concerns about the workability and costs of several other powers in the?Bill. 

“These include issues relating to guaranteed-hours contracts, seasonal and temporary workers, thresholds for industrial action, and the practical application of union rules. 

“It is hugely important that workable agreements are found through further discussions,?using the?tripartite model that led to the compromise on unfair dismissal.??? 

“Businesses, especially smaller ones, will need a lot of support and guidance from government to make sure they get this right and have the correct policies and processes in place. 

“They will want to do the right thing, but the sheer scale of these changes means the challenges this presents cannot be underestimated. 

“In terms of immediate impact, nothing is changing, but businesses will need to look ahead. 

“Due to the delays in agreeing the final shape of the Bill, there will be a wave of fresh consultations beginning in January. 

“The BCC will be putting together a programme of support for Chambers and firms to help them prepare for, and then implement, changes as they are introduced. 

“Businesses shouldn’t panic and we would advise them to be careful about offers of external help, from organisations that are unknown to them. There is a long way to go on this legislation, and the best advice will come from those most involved in it.”