Next phase of workers rights overhaul risks hammering ‘labour market’

The latest phase of the government s workers rights overhaul may have an adverse impact on the labour market , experts have warned, as businesses deal with the costly implications of taking on new staff. Taking effect on Friday, the next stage of the overhaul comes as part of the government s sweeping employment reforms in its landmark Employment Rights Act (ERA), bringing tighter workplace protections for employees. Businesses are set to be required legally grant trade unions greater access, be directly liable for staff harassment from third parties, such as clients or customers, as well as being required to take all the reasonable steps set out in the law to prevent against sexual harassment. The new laws are due to be rolled out over the next two years, which have so far already reduced the qualifying period for unfair dismissal to six months, removed the compensation cap, and strengthened trade union rights. However, Tania Goodman, partner and head of employment at