Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Interim ceo Chris Plant has welcomed key amendments made by the House of Lords to the Employment Rights Bill.
He has written to all Staffordshire MPs urging them to consider the impact of the legislation on local businesses before it returns to the Commons.
The key Lords’ amendments supported by the BCC and Staffordshire Chambers include:
- A six-month qualification period for unfair dismissal, rather than “day-one” rights.
- Reducing the burden of guaranteed hours contracts for those who prefer flexible work.
- Including a definition of seasonal work to reflect real-world demand patterns.
- Retaining the 50% turnout threshold for industrial action ballots.
Reacting to the Lords’ decision to reinstate several business-backed changes to the Bill, Chris said: “These amendments show that Parliament is listening to employers’ concerns. Staffordshire firms want a fair deal for their people, but they also need legislation that supports growth, not rules that add cost, complexity and risk.
“The House of Lords has taken important steps to reduce the unintended consequences of the Bill. We’re now calling on our local MPs to ensure those improvements are protected as the legislation moves back to the Commons.”
His comments echo the national position set out by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Patrick Milnes, Head of People and Work Policy at the BCC, said: “There are some elements of the government’s proposals which place unnecessary burdens on businesses and could stifle recruitment, productivity and investment. Several of the Lords’ amendments represent critical interventions that will reduce the risk of unintended consequences for firms.”
In his letter to Staffordshire MPs, Chris Plant highlights widespread concern that the Employment Rights Bill, as drafted, could increase costs, complexity and risk, particularly for small and medium-sized firms.
He warns that changes such as removing sick pay waiting days and shortening zero-hours reference periods may discourage recruitment and investment.
“Businesses across Staffordshire are already managing rising costs and skills shortages,” he said. “We need a Bill that protects workers while giving employers the confidence to grow, hire and invest.”
