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The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has called on MPs to support amendments made by peers to the Employment Rights Bill when it returns to the House of Commons tomorrow (Wednesday 4 November).
While the trade body has supported the government’s aim of tackling “unscrupulous employers”, it also warned that parts of the legislation risked penalising responsible businesses.
BRC chief Helen Dickinson highlighted research by the Resolution Foundation that suggested elements of the Bill – particularly “day one rights” – could “inhibit hiring”.
The trade body also raised concerns about proposed guaranteed hours requirements, which it said could reduce flexibility for retail workers.
Dickinson said: “Half of retail’s three million colleagues currently work part-time, and this flexibility allows them to work as much or as little as they need, balancing their career around other life commitments. We ignore this at our peril.”
In light of this, she urged MPs to avoid “unintended consequences” by backing peers’ amendments aimed at softening the impact of the new rules.
Dickinson also warned against any rush to implementation if the Bill’s passage through Parliament is delayed, calling for “quality engagement” with high-employment sectors before changes take effect.
She added: “It is critical that Ministers commit to quality engagement with high-employment industries so we can work constructively with Government and other important stakeholders to ensure the Bill is fit for purpose, protecting employment opportunities as well as employees.”
