UK workers will come one step closer to the biggest upgrade of employment rights in a generation as the Employment Rights Bill returns to the House of Commons today (16 September).
The Government will overturn amendments tabled by the Lords, which would have weakened the Bill, including watering down the day one protection from unfair dismissal and limiting those able to benefit from the ban on exploitative zero hours contracts.
Fifteen million people - half of all workers - are set to benefit from the Bill, which will establish day one rights to parental and bereavement leave, include sick pay for up to 1.3 million of the lowest earners and end unscrupulous fire and rehire practices.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer (left) said: “This Government is delivering the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation. Our Employment Rights Bill is good for workers, good for businesses and good for the economy. It’s a core part of our agenda to make people better off and will make a real difference to people’s lives.”
The new Business and Trade Secretary, Peter Kyle (right), added: “We’re relentlessly focused on making people feel better off and putting more money into their pockets. Giving workers more security in the workplace is good for the economy. It promotes prosperity, enabling people to be more active consumers and exercise more control over their lives.
“Businesses have been consulted every step of the way and will continue to be. We’re focused on building an economy with a new social partnership - workers, businesses and government fixing the foundations and that starts with security at work.”
The Bill’s return to the Commons follows extensive engagement with business and trade unions to ensure that the legislation is firmly pro-business and pro-worker, and that businesses have the certainty they need for the future, the Government said.
However, there was some criticism from the British Retail Consortium (BRC), with chief executive Helen Dickinson highlighting its concerns: “Retailers will be very disappointed that the Government has voted down the practical amendments laid down by the House of Lords, which would have maintained protections for workers while removing some of the risk of the Bill backfiring.
“Half of the three million people employed in retail work part-time. From those seeking flexibility to balance other commitments such as being a parent or carer, to long-serving workers, who have worked their way up to management roles with little or no qualifications. The flexibility of these jobs is also what supports so many people getting back into the workplace after a period of absence.
“Government yesterday claimed to be a ‘listening’ and ‘acting’ Government, so it’s time it does just that to avoid the unintended consequences of the Bill in its current form. A BRC survey revealed over half of retail HR Directors (52%) said the Bill would result in job losses and 61% said it would reduce flexibility of available roles.
“The Lords proposed pragmatic changes that would have helped to protect these roles. But the Government has decided to make a rod for its own back. At a time when over one-fifth of the workforce is economically inactive and sick leave is at a record high, this will undermine its plans to get Britain working. How can this be achieved if there are fewer flexible jobs available?
“The vast majority of retailers are responsible businesses, committed to delivering secure and sustainable work. The Bill’s aim to crack down on unscrupulous employers who do not treat their employees fairly is crucial, but the Government also needs to ensure it doesn’t punish responsible businesses and protects part time employment opportunities.”
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