Employment Rights Bill 'risks punishing responsible businesses'

A leading retailers' body has raised concern that Employment Rights Bill risks punishing responsible businesses rather than focusing on unscrupulous employers.

According to amendments tabled by the government to its flagship employment legislation, all British workers, including nearly a million agency workers, will be entitled to a contract which reflects the hours they regularly work.

Government said the amendments will offer increased security for working people to receive reasonable notice of shifts and proportionate pay when shifts are cancelled, curtailed or moved at short notice – whilst retaining the necessary flexibility for employers in how they manage their workforces.

Responding to the tabled amendments on the Employment Rights Bill, Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive at the British Retail Consortium, said, “The BRC supports the Government’s goal to ensure improved employment practices.

"We want a level playing field for responsible businesses, which means tackling unscrupulous employers and we support measures to crack down on those who exploit their workforce.

“While Government has been listening to the concerns of businesses, the latest amendments show that they have much further to go if they wish to reach a place which protects employees while supporting investment in jobs.

"We welcome the changes made around collective consultation, but further amendments are urgently needed, particularly in relation to guaranteed hours and trade unions.

“The focus of the Employment Rights Bill should be on unscrupulous employers who undermine confidence in the labour market, instead the current regulations risk punishing responsible businesses who provide employment.

"We will continue to work closely with Government on the future of the Bill to ensure a progressive approach that avoids raising the costs of employment for those already doing things well and limiting the flexibility for staff, which is so important in retail.

"This pragmatism and collaboration also needs to continue beyond the passage of the Bill, as the implementation detail of various areas is still to be worked through.”

Calling the bill "biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation", Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said that for too long millions of workers have been forced to face insecure, low paid and irregular work, while the economy is blighted by low growth and low productivity.

"We have been working closely with businesses and workers to progress this landmark bill and deliver our Plan for Change - unleashing growth and making work pay for everyone."