The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has voiced concerns over the latest amendments to the Employment Rights Bill in the UK, stating that further changes are necessary to ensure a fair balance between protecting employees and supporting business investment.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, acknowledged the government’s commitment to improving employment practices but stressed the need for a level playing field that supports responsible businesses while cracking down on unscrupulous employers.
“While the 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 UK government is set to introduce amendments to the Employment Rights Bill, which have come following weeks of consultation with business groups, trade unions, and wider civil society. The proposed measures aim to tackle low pay, job insecurity, and poor working conditions, with a view to boosting economic growth. Key provisions include ensuring contracts reflect actual working hours for up to 900,000 agency workers, strengthening redundancy protections, and expanding Statutory Sick Pay eligibility.
Dickinson emphasised the importance of ensuring that new employment laws do not increase the cost of employment for businesses that already uphold high standards, nor restrict the flexibility that is crucial to the retail sector.
“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,” she said in a statement.
The BRC has committed to continued engagement with the government to ensure the bill is implemented pragmatically, striking the right balance between worker protections and business viability.
“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 need to continue beyond the passage of the Bill, as the implementation detail of various areas is still to be worked through,” Dickinson concluded.
The BRC has raised concerns over the UK Employment Rights Bill amendments, urging further changes to balance worker protections and business investment.
Chief Executive Helen Dickinson welcomed collective consultation changes but stressed the need for adjustments on guaranteed hours and trade unions.
The BRC continues to engage with the government on pragmatic implementation.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
