BRC responds to imminent changes to Employment Rights

Ahead of changes to the Employment Rights Act coming into force from Monday 6 April 2026, Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of British Retail Consortium, said:

"Retail supports measures that strengthen protections for workers, and many of these changes, such as changes to parental and bereavement leave will make a meaningful difference to people's lives. Across the industry, employers are committed to offering fair, secure and flexible jobs.

"However, the removal of Trade Union recognition thresholds, alongside expanded rights of access, raise real concerns for employers. Thresholds ensure trade union recognition reflects genuine workforce support and removing them risks undermining that balance. Implementation of other areas of the Act, such as Guaranteed Hours, also must be carefully considered so they work in practice for both employers and employees.

"Retailers are facing significant cost pressures, with rising employment costs and the conflict in the Middle East adding further strain on businesses' ability to keep prices manageable for customers. It is vital that we get the remaining elements of the Employment Rights Act right, so we can strengthen protections and support jobs. Get it wrong, and there is a real risk of reducing job opportunities and limiting the flexible roles that millions of people rely on."