Proposed employment changes could create major new costs for the beer and pub sector, the British Beer and Pub Association has warned. It has urged government to protect flexibility for both employers and workers.
The Employment Rights Act was passed in December 2025. However, an implementation date has yet to be set. The trade association said the costs from the changes will further squeeze already wafer-thin margins as pubs and brewers continue to grapple with eye-watering costs.
It said the new changes could not only undermine growth across the sector, but might end up hurting the workers it’s meant to benefit if, to mitigate the changes, businesses need to restrict job opportunities and hours.
The changes of guaranteed-hours offers could also undermine flexible arrangements that many employees actively choose and value, the BBPA warned.
“This sector is only possible because of the brilliant workforce behind it,” said BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin. “Pubs and brewers want to treat their staff fairly but, to do so, they need to be in a position to keep people in those jobs — as well as give opportunities to those who want to work in our amazing industry.
“Not only that, but we know employees value and appreciate the flexibility of their roles, so any changes that stop that might end up backfiring and hurting the people it’s meant to benefit. We think a proportionate, request-based system would both help workers and help the sector remain viable and the backbone of the job market.”
The BBPA is calling for a proportionate response which would see employees who want guaranteed hours able to request them based on their working patterns, which would preserve operational flexibility for businesses and choice for staff.
