Lords must continue to back jobs with Employment Rights Bill amendments. says BRC

Responding to the Employment Rights Bill returning to the House of Lords later today for the next stage of parliamentary consideration, Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said:

“The House of Lords should stand firm on their proposed amendments to the Employment Rights Bill. Peers see just how risky the consequences of this Bill could be, and their proposed amendments will help protect employees as well as crucial employment opportunities, all over the country.

“The Keep Britain Working review revealed the sheer scale of economic inactivity. Retail, as the largest private sector employer, will be instrumental in taking forward the review's recommendations. But if the Employment Rights Bill passes without amendments, it will hinder rather than help retailers play their part in offering local, flexible and part time jobs at scale.

“Retailers support the Employment Rights Bill's goal of cracking down on unscrupulous employers who do not treat their employees fairly, but this must not come at the price of penalising responsible businesses. With unemployment now at 5%, this Bill could mean it will be communities across the UK who will end up paying the price when fewer job opportunities are available.”