East Midlands Chamber has reinforced calls for parts of the Employment Rights Bill to be reconsidered after UK-wide research revealed significant concerns from businesses across a number of areas, such as the speed at which the Bill is travelling through Parliament and the impact of policies on tax, employment and regulation seen as a ‘barrier to growth’. Nearly 8 out of 10 businesses that took part in the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) study felt the impact of policies is not being adequately assessed, while a third said trade union proposals would have a negative impact. Measures outlined in the Bill, currently going through the report stage in the House of Lords, include removing the lower earnings limit from statutory sick pay; requiring employers to take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment of employees; ‘day one’ rights given to employees for parental or paternity leave and protection against unfair dismissal. Findings from the British Chambers of Commerce research on business views on the Employment Rights Bill:

• One third (33%) said trade union proposals would have a negative impact
• Only 2% of firms believe the proposals would be positive
• Nearly 8 out of 10 (79%) of firms don’t feel the impact of new government policies is being properly assessed
• 77% don’t think policy change is moving at the right pace
• Nearly 7 out of 10 (69%) think government policies such as tax, employment and regulation are barriers to growth

East Midlands Chamber director of resources, Lucy Robinson said: “Parts of this Bill, including requirements like statutory sick pay and day one paternity leave are due to kick in as soon as April next year – that doesn’t give much time for businesses to prepare – and then they’ll be followed not long after with a number of other measures, like the end of ‘fire and rehire’ and day one unfair dismissal protection, according to the timeline the government recently published. “The proposed measures are going to impact the way most firms operate and are likely to add to their pile of paperwork and associated costs, as well as limit the scope of those looking to restructure. While I appreciate there’s been some consultation from the government, for 8 out of 10 businesses across the country that took part in the British Chambers of Commerce research to have said the impact has not been properly assessed underlines the need to get a better steer from the business community and how they’ll be affected. “7 out of 10 UK businesses in this research said policies around things like tax, regulation and employment would be a barrier to growth – I’d say that’s a clear red flag and shows a need for more consultation to get this right. With the speed this Bill is moving through Parliament, also highlighted as a concern in this study, the government should be open to making changes before these policies are set in stone. “When you consider the barrage of challenges firms have had to contend with recently, whether increased staffing costs from higher National Insurance contributions or inflation, it’s essential their needs are prioritised before this Bill is passed. “For East Midlands businesses, I’d urge taking advantage of the Chamber’s HR Forums as a really useful resource around what the proposed changes might mean for them.” British Chambers of Commerce deputy director of public policy, Jane Gratton said: “The opportunity to make any significant changes to the Employment Rights Bill to ease the cost and disruption to business is fast disappearing over the horizon. While the government has consulted on several aspects, and listened to some concerns, the legislation still does not strike the right balance. “A number of the proposals are deeply worrying for employers. They will increase employment costs, complexity and risk for firms, particularly SMEs who will be disproportionately affected. We are likely to see unintended consequences that could limit people’s employment opportunities and the UK’s economic growth. “To grow our economy, firms must have the flexibility and agility to deal with challenges and opportunities. Government needs to help not hinder businesses – to innovate, adopt new technologies and be more productive and competitive. By adding more restrictions and building in further delays before change can happen, the Bill jeopardises all of this. It is creating a lose-lose scenario for everyone in the workplace. “While there many are things in the legislation that reflect what good businesses are already doing, there are some specific proposals that need amending. Planned changes to dismissal rules, trade union ballot thresholds and zero hours contracts, for example, are some of the critical areas that need to be revisited. “The government must continue its positive approach to engagement with business and remain open to changes. Only then can it ensure this legislation is proportionate, affordable and right for both firms and their employees.”

The government has outlined a timeline for implementing its Employment Rights Bill, which will bring several significant changes to employment law, affecting businesses in the East Midlands. Companies will need to prepare for increased administrative tasks, including updating staff contracts, managing higher costs, and addressing new paperwork requirements.

Starting in April 2026, the Bill will grant workers “day one” rights for paternity and unpaid parental leave. Statutory sick pay will be extended, with the removal of the lower earnings limit. By October 2026, businesses will no longer be able to use “fire and rehire” practices, and employers will be required to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

By 2027, additional protections will be introduced for pregnant women and new mothers, including enhanced dismissal protections. Employers will also face new measures to prevent unfair dismissal from the very first day of employment. These changes will require businesses to adjust their practices and ensure compliance with the new legal landscape.

West Northamptonshire Council is inviting local residents, businesses, and community groups to help shape the future of Northampton town centre through the draft Northampton Town Centre Masterplan. This initiative aims to provide a long-term vision for the area, focusing on enhancing streets, public spaces, housing, and supporting local businesses.

Building on significant ongoing projects such as the revitalisation of Market Square and plans to redevelop former M&S and BHS stores, the masterplan offers a cohesive approach to guide future investments. The goal is to ensure these developments meet the needs of the community and align with their aspirations.

Key to the plan is a focus on making the town more walkable and better connected, improving the riverside to boost leisure and nature spaces, and restoring heritage buildings to their former glory. The vision also includes creating more housing options in the town centre to foster a vibrant, mixed-use community that supports local shops, promotes pedestrian and cycling access, and increases the area’s overall vibrancy.

To gather community input, the council has launched a dedicated website, northamptonforward.com, where people can review the proposals, explore different ideas, and share their feedback through a brief survey. This initial round of engagement will inform the final version of the masterplan, which will be published later this year, ensuring that future changes reflect the priorities of those who live and work in Northampton.

The acquisition significantly expands SOCOTEC’s capabilities in fire safety and compliance, while reinforcing the company’s growing presence in Scotland, with its second acquisition in the country, following the purchase of Aspect Land & Hydrographic Surveys. Matthew Marriott, CEO of SOCOTEC UK and Ireland, said: “The acquisition of UKTC represents a significant milestone in our growth strategy and commitment to enhancing building safety across the UK. “This marks our second acquisition in Scotland within the last 12 months, demonstrating our intention to continue investing in this important region, as well as developing our capabilities to serve clients throughout the UK and Ireland.” David Brown, director at UKTC, will continue to lead the laboratory operations under SOCOTEC ownership, and added: “Joining forces with SOCOTEC UK and Ireland provides an exciting opportunity to invest and expand our testing provisions and deliver enhanced services to our clients. “Our East Kilbride facility has become the centre of excellence for fire testing in UK, and as part of SOCOTEC, we look forward to building on that legacy while accessing wider resources and expertise.”

The shareholders of Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), parent company of Nottingham health and beauty retailer Boots, have approved the takeover of WBA by private equity firm Sycamore Partners. According to preliminary results, approximately 96% of votes cast at a Special Meeting by all shareholders were voted in favour of the merger agreement proposal. In addition, approximately 95% of the votes cast at the Special Meeting by unaffiliated shareholders were voted in favor of the merger agreement proposal. “We appreciate the consideration and overwhelming support from our shareholders in our value-maximizing transaction with Sycamore,” said Tim Wentworth, CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance. “With Sycamore’s partnership, we will be better positioned to accelerate our turnaround strategy, further enhance the customer, patient and team member experience and become the first choice for pharmacy, retail and health services. We look forward to closing the transaction and entering this next chapter.” WBA expects to close the transaction in the third or fourth quarter of 2025. The $10bn deal comes after Walgreens had a market value of over $100bn a decade ago. The fate of highstreet staple Boots remains in question, with the Sycamore transaction expected to pave way for considertation of a sale, following WBA’s two previous attempts to offload the business.