Responding to the publication of Charlie Mayfield's
Keep Britain Working review,
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive at the British Retail
Consortium, said:
“Retailers recognise the importance of supportive workplaces.
Many invest in programmes supporting employees with ill-health or
disabilities and agree with the review findings that structural
issues hold back companies from doing more or activity being more
effective. They are keen go further and a number of retailers are
already signed up to engage with the next stages of the review.
“Retail is built on flexible, local jobs. Half the three million
people employed in retail work part-time. Such roles help people
enter, stay in, or return to work after a period of absence as
they can choose to work as much or as little as they are able.
This uniquely positions the industry as a critical contributor to
reducing economic inactivity from ill-health and disability.
“But Government goals and policies are at odds with one another.
While encouraging employers to invest in workforce health and
provide flexibility, they risk making it more difficult. In its
current form, the Employment Rights Bill would make it harder for
retailers to continue offering as many crucial flexible roles.
“By amending parts of the Bill, working with business and unions
to join the dots between policies to ensure they align rather
than conflict, Government will enable the industry to play an
even fuller part in Keeping Britain Working.”
