Marvin OnumonuThe British Retail Consortium (BRC) urged MPs to back peer amendments to the Employment Rights Bill as it returned to the House of Commons.
This comes after research by the Resolution Foundation found that certain proposals could make it harder to hire staff.
Helen Dickinson, CEO of the BRC, said: “While we fully support the goal of the Employment Rights Bill to crack down on unscrupulous employers who do not treat their employees fairly, it must not penalise responsible businesses.
“The Resolution Foundation has said that some of its proposals, particularly around Day One Rights, will ‘inhibit hiring.’
“We share this view, and are also concerned about Guaranteed Hours, which would make it harder for retailers to offer local, flexible, and part-time jobs.”
Dickinson added: “The Bill’s return to the Commons is the moment for MPs to avoid such unintended consequences by supporting the practical amendments tabled by peers last week.
“Half of retail’s three million colleagues currently work part-time, and this flexibility allows them to work as much or as little as they need, balancing their career around other life commitments.
“We ignore this at our peril. The Government must also ensure that any delay to the Bill’s Royal Assent does not result in less consultation or a compressed implementation Roadmap.
“It is critical Ministers commit to quality engagement with high-employment industries so we can work constructively with Government and other important stakeholders to ensure the Bill is fit for purpose, protecting employment opportunities as well as employees.”
