Devon Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the Government’s decision to include a six-month qualifying period for unfair dismissal in the Employment Rights Bill.
This move reflects positive, collaborative dialogue between business and government, while also highlighting the importance of ensuring that future regulations work for regions like Devon where seasonal employment is central to the local economy.
Devon Chamber CEO, Helen Wylde-Archibald has stressed the need for clarity on guaranteed hours, industrial action thresholds and how the Bill will apply in sectors such as tourism and agriculture.
Helen said: “We welcome the Government’s decision to include a six-month qualifying period for unfair dismissal in the Employment Rights Bill. This amendment reflects the importance of balancing worker protections with business confidence to hire and grow. Constructive dialogue between business, unions and government has been key to achieving this progress, and we believe this collaborative approach must continue as further details are developed in secondary legislation.
“For Devon, where our economy relies heavily on tourism and agriculture, seasonal work is a critical issue. Businesses need flexibility to manage fluctuating demand while ensuring fair treatment for employees. We urge policymakers to provide clear guidance and practical solutions that recognise these regional realities.
“The British Chamber of Commerce, of which Devon Chamber of Commerce is an accredited member, were instrumental in achieving this change, and heavily involved in the negotiations with Government, unions and other employment bodies to reach the right outcome for business and economic growth in the UK
“While this is a positive step, significant challenges remain around guaranteed hours, contracts and industrial action thresholds. We will, as the Devon Chamber working closely with the British Chamber of Commerce, continue to call for clarity and support to help businesses implement these changes effectively without compromising economic growth. Devon businesses are committed to creating fair and productive workplaces, and we look forward to working with all stakeholders to make this legislation work for everyone.”
The Chamber’s response aligns with the wider business community. During the past week, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and five other business groups have been in discussions with the Government to secure key amendments to the Bill.
In a joint statement this evening, the six groups said: “Businesses will be relieved that the Government has agreed to a key amendment to the Employment Rights Bill which can pave the way to its initial acceptance. We welcomed this chance to hold meaningful dialogue and believe the constructive nature of our discussions can be a template to resolve outstanding issues.
“Businesses have always been clear that making the Employment Rights Bill work would take business, trade unions and government working together to find a landing zone for these major policy changes. This agreement keeps a qualifying period that is simple, meaningful, and understood within existing legislation. It is crucial for businesses’ confidence to hire and to support employment, at the same time as protecting workers.
“This change addresses the key problem that must be sorted in primary legislation. It shows that dialogue works and is a model for how to consider the important questions that need answering in regulations before new rules come into force.
“Businesses will still have concerns about many of the powers contained in this Bill. This includes guaranteed hours contracts, seasonal and temporary workers and thresholds for industrial action.
“We remain committed to working with government and unions to dealing with this in the necessary secondary legislation to implement the Bill. We must ensure that it supports opportunity for workers while avoiding damage to economic growth.
“That also means agreeing guidance and support for businesses to understand and effectively implement the many changes, alongside sufficient resources for the Fair Work Agency and tribunal system.”
The Devon Chamber will continue to work closely with the BCC, local employers and policymakers to ensure the next phase of legislation provides clarity, supports regional economic growth and reflects the needs of Devon’s workforce.
