WFH from day one? Business alarm at immediate rights to flexible working, sick leave and dismissal protection as experts warn of swathe of summary sackings before new rules come in – and unions gloat at being handed back power [Video]

06:49 EDT 17 Jul 2024, updated 10:06 EDT 17 Jul 2024

Businesses voiced alarm at plans for dramatically boosted workers’ rights today with warnings that a swathe of staff could be sacked before the new rules take effect.

The King’s Speech included a vow to a right to flexible working from ‘day one’ as well as immediate access to sickness and parental leave and protection from unfair dismissal.  

Labour has committed to sweeping away zero hours contracts, while unions have reacted with glee at the scrapping of Tory restrictions on the chaos that can be caused by strikes.

However, the FSB said small business were ‘increasingly worried’ about the proposals driving up ‘costs and risks’ of giving people jobs. 

Lawyers pointed out the government, workers and business have little idea how the proposals will work in practice. They highlighted the risk of ‘unintended consequences’ such as mass sackings of people with shorter service just before the measures come into force. 

The …