Seven in 10 employers are unaware of laws that came into force this month, according to research.
Employment law consultancy Peninsula BusinessWise found that 71% of bosses did not know about changes to employment law.
These include new statutory maternity pay, and the right to request flexible working.
Peninsula managing director Peter Done said: “There is widespread ignorance among employers with regard to the new regulations coming into force in April 2007.
“Bosses simply have to be prepared, otherwise they are leaving themselves at risk of being taken to tribunal.”
Peninsula polled 1,279 UK employers during February and March.