Register to get free articles
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has warned that over 50% of retail roles could be impacted by changes to guaranteed working hours, according to The Guardian.
The trade body said that reforms outlined in the Employment Rights Act will make it more difficult for shops to employ people in part-time jobs, especially young workers.
Starting in April, the act will instate new protections for workers on sick pay, sexual harassment, parental leave and trade union recognition.
Later this year, the government is set to add guaranteed hours for staff on zero or “low hours” contracts, flexible working, payment for short-notice cancellation of shifts and largely barring fire-and-rehire practices.
However, it has not reached a conclusion on the number of weeks over which regular working patterns can be analysed to determine guaranteed hours, or the maximum number of hours in a low-hours contract.
The BRC said that protections for guaranteed hours should be limited to contracts of eight hours per week or less and that the assessment period should come to at least 26 weeks, preferably a full year.
It added this would better take into account seasonal working patterns and make sure reforms tackle real problems without jeopardising jobs.
The trade association estimates 55% of retail jobs are part-time, higher than the UK average of 33%.
It added that workers value flexibility, with a survey of 2,000 adults by Opinium for the BRC suggesting 52% of UK adults consider flexible working hours that fit in with other aspects of their lives to be important.
It said the retail sector provides opportunities that allow people to work while balancing study, caring responsibilities or health needs.
It added that workers value flexibility, with a survey of 2,000 adults by Opinium for the BRC finding 52% of UK adults think the ability to flex working hours around their lives is important. It said the retail sector offers roles that allow those balancing study, caring responsibilities or health needs to stay in work.
Helen Dickinson, the chief executive of the BRC, told the Guardian: “Flexible retail jobs are a vital part of how millions of people are able to stay in work. As the UK’s largest private sector employer, retail provides opportunities for students earning alongside their studies, parents balancing childcare, and those managing health conditions. These part-time roles are not only valued, but relied upon across the country.
“Retailers support the aim to improve job security, but the detail of Employment Rights Act implementation will be critical. If reforms treat flexibility as a problem rather than something workers actively choose, the risk is fewer opportunities and reduced access to work. Government must strike the right balance by targeting genuine bad practice while protecting the flexible roles that underpin employment in retail.”
