GB News - wants to speak to small business owners about Employment Rights Bill

booked in for 2.20 for a 2.30 appearance

I think for small businesses like ourselves this bill is a real mixed bag. Some things, like sensible arrangements for bereavment leave, any good, responsible employer has in place already.

Of the new measures, banning fire-and-rehire is I think a good thing, a secure workforce is a happy, productive workforce. Full salary sick pay from day 1 and rights to paternity leave etc from day 1 will have implications for small business a) there is an obvious cash impact on the business and I also think that it will increase the cost of recruitment since I suspect there will be more desire for thorough health checks on candidates prior to employment. This could also lead to unintended discrimination against those with chronic illness which is ironically one of those demographic groups the Government says it wants to help back into work!