The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has voiced concerns over recent amendments to the Employment Rights Bill, warning that the proposed regulations could negatively impact responsible businesses while failing to effectively target exploitative employers.
Photo: Dreamstime.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, acknowledged the Government's intent to improve employment practices but stressed the need for further revisions to the Bill. '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 the Government has responded to some business concerns, Dickinson emphasised that more work is needed to achieve balanced legislation that protects employees while also fostering job investment. '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.'
A key criticism of the Bill is that, in its current form, it may unintentionally burden companies that are already adhering to high employment standards. '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,' Dickinson warned.
The BRC remains committed to working alongside the Government to refine the Bill, ensuring it supports both employees and businesses without imposing unnecessary costs or restricting flexibility in the retail sector. '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.'
Beyond the passage of the Bill, the BRC stresses the need for ongoing collaboration to refine implementation details. '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,' Dickinson added.
The BRC remains engaged in discussions with policymakers to ensure the final legislation strikes a fair balance between protecting workers' rights and sustaining a thriving retail sector.
More information:
British Retail Consortium
www.brc.org.uk