Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: “This bill represents the biggest shake-up of employment rights in a generation.
“We understand the need for legislation to protect the rights of employees and ensure that they are all treated with respect and care in the workplace.
“However, employers in Dorset have concerns about how these measures would be implemented and the potentially damaging impact that they could have on their businesses, particularly in terms of day one rights.
“The new laws must achieve a fair balance that provides the right support for employees while encouraging businesses to recruit and allowing them to grow.
“We have been lobbying our local MPs and working with the British Chambers of Commerce, and will continue to make Dorset’s voice heard during the consultation process and passage of the bill.
“Finally, it is important to recognise that the overwhelming majority of businesses in Dorset care about their people and treat them with the respect they deserve.”