Trade bodies say guaranteed hours under Employment Rights Act could threaten jobs

The British Retail Consortium, Food and Drink Federation, Recruitment and Employment Confederation, and UK Hospitality write to Government

Four trade bodies say proposals for guaranteed hours under the Employment Rights Act could threaten quality jobs.

The British Retail Consortium, Food and Drink Federation, Recruitment and Employment Confederation, and UK Hospitality jointly wrote to the Government warning that the measure could result in diminished opportunities and worse conditions for workers.

They put forward amendments to the policy which they believe would prevent “the double whammy of increasing unemployment and fewer young people entering the labour market”.

The letter stated: “Across our sectors, concern is deep and growing that the current approach risks stripping flexibility from the labour market at precisely the wrong moment.

“With demand already weakened, poorly designed guaranteed hours measures could become a tipping point, pushing employers to reduce hiring, limit hours or withdraw flexible roles altogether, denying work to those who need it most, or moving to less secure, more casual models of engagement.”

A Government spokesperson responded: “We will only achieve a thriving economy once people have a wage they can count on, which is why we’re giving greater certainty to over half the UK’s workforce through our Employment Rights Act.

“We will ensure people can have the security they need by giving eligible workers the right to guaranteed hours, and we will work closely with workers and employers on how the measures are implemented.”