A DAMAGING workers’ rights package will not be watered down by the government provoking fury from business.
Trade Unions have been assured that rights for employees from day one and a planned ban on zero-hours contracts will not be diluted.
Hopes had been raised that changes to workers’ rights package may take place after Angela Rayner’s departure from governmentGetty
Changes made in the House of Lords will be reversed by the government when it comes back to the House of Commons next week.
Number 10 have said they are “absolutely backing” the employment rights bill saying it was “pro business and pro worker”.
Hopes had been raised that measures, that will cost business £5 billion, would be jettisoned following the departure of Angela Rayner from government who championed the changes.
Alex Hall-Chen, of the Institute of Directors, said: “An IoD poll of over 600 business leaders in August found that employment regulation is considered the number one barrier to growth – cited by 45% as a major blocker to their organisation growing.”
“New Ministers have the opportunity to fulfil the government’s commitment to being pro-business, and pro-growth, by accepting sensible amendments to the Bill tabled in the House of Lords, most crucially those relating to introducing additional protections against unfair dismissal at six months of employment and maintaining existing turnout thresholds for industrial action.
“Without this clear action to show that the government is serious about addressing the concerns that businesses have consistently raised, the Bill will continue to undermine confidence, deter job creation, and worsen the UK’s growth prospects.”
Small business chiefs are demanding changes to plans that will allow workers to go to a tribunal as soon as they are hired.
Craig Beaumont, of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “We have presented Government with an answer to this solution that improves rights but prevents this anti-jobs, anti-business move from hitting growth.
“The official payroll data already shows 150,000 fewer people in work. That’s 150,000 reasons to change the Bill or the regulations to follow.
“There are many ways to do this and they mustn’t plough on regardless.”
Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith said: “It doesn’t matter who’s now playing the instruments if they don’t play a different tune.
“Labour’s (Un)Employment Rights Bill will crush businesses and job opportunities alike. All while everyone endures more strikes. A real reset means shelving this bill.”
Small business chiefs are demanding changes to plans that will allow workers to go to a tribunal as soon as they are hired.
Paul Nowak, head of the TUC, holding their rally in Brighton, said it would be a “real mistake” to water down the bill.
Unite chief Sharon Graham said: “What I hope is not going on is that the government are looking to water down the employment rights bill.
“I do hope they don’t now intend on slowing this down or scrapping parts of it altogether.”
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