Overview

• The Employment Rights Bill proposes guaranteed hours, curbs on zero-hours contracts, and 'day one' rights like sick pay and flexible working.
• A British Retail Consortium poll found that about half of retail HR directors expect job cuts and price hikes if the Bill passes in its current form.
• Retailers express particular concern over the guaranteed hours provision, fearing it could reduce part-time job flexibility.
• The British Chambers of Commerce and other business groups call for amendments to mitigate potential negative impacts on hiring and economic growth.
• The Bill is under debate in the House of Lords, coinciding with seven consecutive months of declining retail sales and broader economic uncertainty.