House of Lords | Peer sparks debate over 'banter ban' in Employment Rights Bill​

The UK government's proposed Employment Rights Bill, currently under scrutiny in the House of Lords, has ignited a heated debate over a provision critics have dubbed the "banter ban".

Clause 20 seeks to extend employer liability to instances where employees face harassment from third parties, such as customers or clients, even in cases of overheard conversations.

Lord Young of Acton, a Peer and founder of the Free Speech Union, has tabled amendments aiming to exempt expressions of political, moral, religious, or social opinions from being classified as harassment, provided they are not "indecent or grossly offensive." 

He argues that the current wording could compel employers, including pub landlords and university administrators, to police everyday conversations, potentially infringing on free speech rights.