Opinion: Employment Rights Bill
Opinion: David Sorensen, Managing Partner at Morrish Solicitors LLP discusses the importance of today’s new employment law legislation.
The government has today (10 October) formally unveiled the Employment Rights Bill.
This is huge step forward for worker’s rights, and despite criticism from some quarters, we mustn’t overlook the fact that this is the biggest shake-up in employment law since the late 1990s.
The Bill aims to address gaps created by the last government, while responding to modern challenges in the workplace. Of particular concern has been the rise of the gig economy, with casual and zero hours working arrangements, which always seem to impact hardest on the young and the lowest paid. A focus of these proposals is on improving conditions for these workers.
It is common sense that fundamental rights lead to satisfied workers, building strong businesses and boosting the economy. It’s vital in today’s climate that firms can attract and retain the best people possible, and this is only feasible where workers feel secure, rewarded and valued. This is especially so where recruitment costs add significantly to a business’ bottom line.
As an employment lawyer specialising in trade union cases, I see first-hand the impact the previous government’s erosion of workers’ rights has had. However, as a partner at Morrish Solicitors LLP, I am also an employer.
Some have raised concerns about the Bill’s impact on businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). There is a feeling that some may struggle with additional costs or increased admin – I don’t think they will, and we this must not let this overshadow the rights of workers.
The UK currently has one of the lowest levels of employment protections within the largest economies of the world and we all deserve to catch up, making a stronger economy and giving better protection to workers. In my opinion, both of these can work in harmony and ultimately benefit us all.
