VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Small Businesses: Conditions of Employment

Asked by Peter LambLabourDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 28 May 2026UIN 3172

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department will take to support businesses, especially small business, in complying with the Employment Rights Act, to ensure enforcement of the new framework.

Answered by Kate Dearden

The Employment Rights Act 2025 is being implemented in phases over a two-year period to give businesses, and in particular small businesses, time to plan and prepare.

We are providing support and guidance to help businesses get ready. We have launched a dedicated website offering practical guidance on what the changes mean and how to comply, alongside wider communication, engagement and educational activity to raise awareness. We will continue to consult with businesses, trade unions and civil society throughout implementation to make sure we get the detail right.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim