Chamber response to government’s Employment Rights Bill
Date published:
John McCabe, chief executive at the Chamber, said:
“We welcome the fact the government has evidently listened to business groups, notably the British Chambers of Commerce, in publishing this set of proposals.
“For many of the North East’s larger businesses, the requirements announced today mean business as usual. Our priority now is to ensure there are no unintended consequences for our smaller businesses.
“It’s therefore right that the government is taking a phased approach to introducing these changes in full consultation with employers. Government needs to continue consulting with Chambers who are ideally placed to represent businesses of all sizes and sectors across the UK.
“Stronger flexible working rules and an extension of sick pay are positive steps and will make an important contribution in helping to address the region’s high rates of economic inactivity.
“These are calls which we made in our recent Budget submission to the Chancellor to create more equitable workplaces as well as a stronger, fairer North East.”
Mr McCabe added: “I met with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds recently as part of the British Chambers of Commerce’s national Business Council and it’s clear from these proposals he has listened and taken on board the matters we raised.
“Consulting on probation periods of nine months is welcome and has the potential to strike the right balance between protecting employees and supporting businesses.
“We will shortly be organising our own consultation event with our members and representatives of the government to ensure the full benefits of these proposals are felt by businesses of all sizes and sectors in the region.”