As reported in Business Matters, new survey findings reveal deep uncertainty among UK employers as the House of Lords continues its opposition to elements of the  Employment Rights Bill

A new survey has revealed scepticism among UK business leaders about the government’s chances of pushing its flagship Employment Rights Bill (ERB) through the House of Lords without major concessions. Just three percent of senior HR, compliance and business leaders believe peers will retract their opposition to central proposals, including day-one unfair dismissal rights and changes to trade union rules.

The poll gathered responses from 190 HR and compliance professionals, CEOs and in-house counsels, and highlights widespread concern across UK industry. One in five respondents fears the legislation will collapse altogether, while 12 percent expect ministers to use the Parliament Act, which would delay implementation well into next year. Opposition in the Lords is focused on the most contentious elements of the bill: granting unfair dismissal protection from the first day of employment, new rights for zero-hours workers and revised rules on political donations to trade unions. With peers expected to vote against the government once again, many employers say they remain in regulatory limbo.

The survey also shows that concerns extend well beyond dismissal rights. Nearly 60 percent of respondents believe they will need to strengthen their sexual harassment policies, and two-thirds expect to introduce new staff training to comply with the bill’s sweeping requirements. Yet many say they cannot begin planning until the dispute over day-one rights is resolved.

While the government has launched several consultations on elements of the ERB – including proposed changes to protections for pregnant women and new mothers, and requirements for menopause action plans – uncertainty remains high. With nearly one in five business leaders now questioning whether the bill will survive at all, many fear investing in preparations for reforms that may ultimately never materialise.