Chamber comments on government’s Employment Rights Bill

A spokesperson for the East Midlands Chamber has reacted to the new Government’s Employment Rights Bill, which includes measures such as ending zero hours contracts and protecting workers against unfair dismissal.

Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: “The timeframe in implementation of this new bill, consideration of sectoral differences and consultation with the business community is essential as changes are brought in.  While reforming the protection of workers will likely help with staff retention, it’s vitally important that there’s careful consideration for the challenges faced by businesses, still mired in the crisis in the cost of doing business.  

"Flexible working, for example, to be standard ‘where possible’, as the government has said, is open to interpretation and that’s where you start to get ambiguity.

“Businesses need clarity and reasonable time to make changes. While it’s right that workers have security and fair treatment, the business community must be fully supported.  At East Midlands Chamber we stand ready to voice any concerns of the East Midlands business community and share insight with the new government.”