Ruth Howbrook-Archer

MD, KPJ Group

“Introducing unfair dismissal protection from day one is a step too far. Employers need time to assess new hires without the fear of immediate legal repercussions if things don’t work out. This change could make businesses more cautious, which would slow recruitment. If extended to agency workers, then it would have an impact on temporary and flexible hiring, making businesses reluctant to take on short-term staff. A fair probationary period benefits all parties and ensures the right fit before any long-term commitments are made. Employment law should be encouraging hiring, not detering businesses from recruiting.”

Martin Dangerfield

Talent strategy director, the rec hub

“I’d say any provisions that create an unrealistic admin burden for start-ups and small businesses are worth rethinking. Things like day-one rights for unfair dismissal: great in principle, but without a smart process behind it, it could backfire for small firms with patchy HR support. Or banning zero-hours contracts outright: again, philosophically sound, but there are people who choose flexibility. If you kill zero-hour contracts off, you risk forcing companies to find less good workarounds. If Labour pulls this bill apart before it sees daylight, it’ll be a huge U-turn from the ‘New Deal for Working People’ they’ve been promoting.”

Will Lahaise

Co-founder, pltfrm

“The bill as it stands is coming at the worst possible time amid global economic uncertainty and will only deter investment and growth. Businesses need measures that will support growth and provide certainty. With the backdrop of increased NIC rates and ambiguity around global tariff negotiations, the bill threatens businesses with costly red tape and legal risks. Day-one unfair dismissal rights, even with a nine-month probation, will burden employers with tribunal fears and will stifle UK hiring. Flexible working as default will add to operational complexity while increasing administrative costs.”

Image credit | Shutterstock | KPJ-Group | PLTFRM