[UK] Retail groups flag employment reform hiring risks

In the UK, the revised Employment Rights Bill returned to the House of Commons on November 5, prompting fresh responses from retail industry bodies over the proposed reforms, Retail Insight Network reports.

The retail sector, currently facing cost pressures and rising staffing complexity, called on MPs to back key amendments that it says will help avoid unintended consequences for flexible and part-time jobs.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC), representing the sector, reportedly urged MPs to “support the practical amendments tabled by peers last week” ahead of the Bill’s return.

In a public statement, BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson stated that the Bill’s goal to “crack down on unscrupulous employers who do not treat their employees fairly” is fully supported, but that it “must not penalise responsible businesses.”

Retailers highlight that half of retail’s three-million-strong workforce currently works part-time, and that part-time and flexible working arrangements are vital to balancing careers “around other life commitments”.

Ms Dickinson reportedly warned that proposals, particularly on Day One rights and so-called Guaranteed Hours, may “inhibit hiring” and make it “harder for retailers to offer local, flexible, and part-time jobs.”

One of the key concerns raised by retailers is that the requirement for guaranteed hours – or contracts reflecting hours worked – has the potential to reduce the availability of entry-level, low-hour or highly flexible roles.

Earlier BRC commentary revealed that the sector has already lost approximately 350,000 jobs since 2015, and it continues to caution that rising employment costs combined with regulatory changes risk further job losses.

Retailers reportedly contend that the Bill must be implemented in a way that protects employment opportunities while maintaining flexibility.

In addition, the BRC called on Government ministers to ensure any delay to the Bill’s Royal Assent did not result in a compressed implementation roadmap with reduced industry consultation.

Source: Retail Insight Network

(Quotes via original reporting)

In the UK, the revised Employment Rights Bill returned to the House of Commons on November 5, prompting fresh responses from retail industry bodies over the proposed reforms, Retail Insight Network reports.

The retail sector, currently facing cost pressures and rising staffing complexity, called on MPs to back key amendments that it says will help avoid unintended consequences for flexible and part-time jobs.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC), representing the sector, reportedly urged MPs to “support the practical amendments tabled by peers last week” ahead of the Bill’s return.

In a public statement, BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson stated that the Bill’s goal to “crack down on unscrupulous employers who do not treat their employees fairly” is fully supported, but that it “must not penalise responsible businesses.”

Retailers highlight that half of retail’s three-million-strong workforce currently works part-time, and that part-time and flexible working arrangements are vital to balancing careers “around other life commitments”.

Ms Dickinson reportedly warned that proposals, particularly on Day One rights and so-called Guaranteed Hours, may “inhibit hiring” and make it “harder for retailers to offer local, flexible, and part-time jobs.”

One of the key concerns raised by retailers is that the requirement for guaranteed hours – or contracts reflecting hours worked – has the potential to reduce the availability of entry-level, low-hour or highly flexible roles.

Earlier BRC commentary revealed that the sector has already lost approximately 350,000 jobs since 2015, and it continues to caution that rising employment costs combined with regulatory changes risk further job losses.

Retailers reportedly contend that the Bill must be implemented in a way that protects employment opportunities while maintaining flexibility.

In addition, the BRC called on Government ministers to ensure any delay to the Bill’s Royal Assent did not result in a compressed implementation roadmap with reduced industry consultation.

Source: Retail Insight Network

(Quotes via original reporting)