Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, when she expects to publish the consultation on guaranteed hours under the Employment Rights Act 2025; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the timing of the publication of the consultation on (a) business confidence, (b) employment levels, (c) levels of flexible work and (d) business viability, particularly for (i) recruitment agencies and (ii) seasonal sectors such as (A) hospitality and (B) agriculture.

The government will consult on the right to guaranteed hours in due course, to be sure to get the detail of the regulations right for both workers and employers across all sectors. We appreciate that employers will need clarity and time before regulations come into effect to familiarise themselves with these new rights and adapt their practices. We will ensure that employers have sufficient time and appropriate guidance to comply with the new legislation.