Workers' rights Bill 'could cost UK £76bn'

EMPLOYERS have issued a last-ditch plea for the Government to rethink its "disastrous" Employment Rights Bill after a series of changes were demanded by the House of Lords.

- By Jonathan Walker Whitehall Editor

Firms were thrown a lifeline after peers backed amendments watering down elements of the planned laws - but Labour could use its Commons majority to reverse the changes. Patrick Milnes, head of people and work policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "We are fast reaching the end of the road for crucial changes that businesses desperately want to see.

"There are some elements of the Government's proposals which place unnecessary burdens on businesses and could stifle recruitment, productivity and investment."