Estate agents will be “afraid to hire” staff if new employment rights become law, a leading lawyer told Friday's Negotiators Conference.
Anita Rai, partner and head of employment at JMW Solicitors, said new cases would be “increased” if workers could claim unfair dismissal from their first day on the job. 
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The government's new Employment Rights Bill includes 28 measures to improve working conditions.
The current minimum period of two years before a claim for unfair dismissal can be brought through an employment tribunal will be abolished. However, new employees will have a trial period of up to nine months, during which time they can be fired through a “lesser” process.
Due to negotiations, this measure is not expected to take effect until autumn 2026 at the earliest. Other features of the bill include providing statutory sick pay from the first day of illness and abolishing the current three-day waiting period.
People will be afraid of hiring and will become even more nervous. ”
“People will be scared and more nervous about hiring,” Lai said.
“And the number of claims will increase.”
Mr Rai also urged government agencies to ensure that they have policies in place on sexual harassment after the Worker Protection Act 2024 comes into force in October.
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Employers must take reasonable steps to prevent employees from being sexually harassed.
Olivia Russo, an employment lawyer at JMW, said the new law covers office chats, WhatsApp messages and work parties.
He said staff were particularly at risk when conducting home inspections and safety measures were essential.
New worker rights reforms impacting real estate agents
