Government Considers Free HR Advice for Small Businesses

As the UK government gears up for the implementation of the Employment Rights Bill, small businesses might soon receive HR support through a proposed voucher scheme. This initiative, reported by City AM, aims to provide employers with access to HR specialists who can assist them in navigating the contractual changes necessitated by the new legislation.

Vouchers to support small businesses navigating new employment laws

The Employment Rights Bill is poised to bring substantial reforms, addressing zero-hour contracts, flexible working arrangements, and sick pay. While these changes are seen as beneficial for workers, they have also sparked concerns among small business owners about increased administrative burdens and the potential for job reductions.

A government spokesperson emphasised the transformative nature of these reforms, stating, “This government is delivering the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation through our Plan for Change, and our landmark Employment Rights Bill is set to benefit more than half of all workers in the UK. We will continue to work closely with employers to ensure new laws work for them while our Small Business Strategy is also taking action to give them the tools they need to grow.”

The proposed HR voucher scheme represents a proactive step by the government to mitigate potential challenges faced by small businesses. By providing expert HR advice, the scheme aims to facilitate smoother transitions and ensure that small businesses are well-equipped to comply with the new regulations. As the government continues to refine its Small Business Strategy, the focus remains on empowering small enterprises with the resources they need to thrive in a changing regulatory landscape.