Reacting to the news that the Government has agreed to a six-month qualifying period for unfair dismissal in the Employment Rights Bill, Ross McNally CEO and Chief Executive of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce said:
“Hampshire Chamber of Commerce has been fully engaged with all our local MPs and other key stakeholders in seeking amendments to the Employment Rights Bill. It is great news that this has paid off for our members and businesses across the County. Although there remain challenges from the Bill, this amendment will build far more confidence to take on new staff, give young people career opportunities, and develop growth strategies. It is nice to see Government hearing and responding to the concerns of business”
The six business groups involved in tripartite discussions: British Chambers of Commerce
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Confederation of British Industry, Federation of Small Businesses, Recruitment and Employment Confederation and Small Business Britain said:
“Businesses will be relieved that the Government has agreed to a key amendment to the Employment Rights Bill which can pave the way to its initial acceptance.
“We welcomed this chance to hold meaningful dialogue and believe the constructive nature of our discussions can be a template to resolve outstanding issues.
“Businesses have always been clear that making the Employment Rights Bill work would take business, trade unions and government working together to find a landing zone for these major policy changes.
“This agreement keeps a qualifying period that is simple, meaningful, and understood within existing legislation. It is crucial for businesses confidence to hire and to support employment, at the same time as protecting workers.
“This change addresses the key problem that must be sorted in primary legislation. It shows that dialogue works and is a model for how to consider the important questions that need answering in regulations before new rules come into force.
“Businesses will still have concerns about many of the powers contained in this Bill. This includes guaranteed hours contracts, seasonal and temporary workers and thresholds for industrial action.
“We remain committed to working with government and unions to dealing with this in the necessary secondary legislation to implement the Bill. We must ensure that it supports opportunity for workers while avoiding damage to economic growth.
“That also means agreeing guidance and support for businesses to understand and effectively implement the many changes, alongside sufficient resources for the Fair Work Agency and tribunal system.”
About Hampshire Chamber of Commerce
Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is the independent voice of local business across the county and one of the largest regional business networks in the UK. With a strategic vision to ‘unlock Hampshire’s potential’, Hampshire Chamber brings together the combined influence, strength and expertise of the county’s three former major chambers. It works with over 2,000 individual firms spanning all sectors and sizes of business. Member services include training, advice, international trade documentation, events, networking opportunities and lobbying to policymakers on issues affecting business. Hampshire Chamber’s business network is designed to help any employer to grow and thrive irrespective of their stage on the enterprise journey.
About the British Chambers of Commerce - Where Business Belongs
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) sits at the heart of a powerful network of 51 Chambers of Commerce across the UK, representing thousands of firms. It provides a unified voice for these companies, rooted in their communities, at the national level. We link our UK network with over 75 international member chambers, to promote trade and investment, and work for a better future for businesses around the world.
For more information, visit: www.britishchambers.org.uk