Labour to consult bosses on workers' rights bill, says Kyle

The business secretary, Peter Kyle, yesterday opened the door to bosses to influence changes to workers' rights amid boardroom fears over jobs and growth.

- Richard Partington

In a signal the government could consider watering down the overhaul of employment rights, Kyle told business leaders at the CBI conference in London he would hold a series of 26 consultations with companies after the bill became law.

"When we launch these consultations, please engage with it," he said. "Make your voice heard and engage with me and my department to make sure we get it right."

With Labour under pressure to reboot the economy in tomorrow's budget, Kyle committed to ensuring that businesses would not lose as a result of the changes, which include a ban on zero-hour contracts and day-one protections for workers against unfair dismissal.

Business leaders have stepped up lobbying against the changes, saying they will cost jobs. Government analysis estimates that implementing the changes could cost employers from £900m to £5bn.