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.”
