REC response to consultations relating to Employment Rights Bill, including zero hours contacts

Commenting on the launch of the first consultations relating to Employment Rights Bill, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) Chief Executive Neil Carberry said: 

“These consultations are a crucial opportunity for government to engage with businesses to get these reforms right. The Bill represents a generational change to our labour market. But we need to remember that the flexible British jobs market is one of our biggest economic strengths – the cost in poorer growth and unemployment of getting things wrong should not be ignored. We’re particularly pleased that the government has launched a specific agency work consultation – it's a vital route to work for lots of workers and helps firms react to changing conditions.  It needs protecting if we are to maintain our world-leading job performance.  

“We will use the consultation process on the provisions around zero hours contracts (ZHCs) to ensure the government understands the difference between exploitative ZHCs and well-regulated agency work.  Agency workers are among the best protected people in our labour market, with protection from two different sets of Regulations and a specific Employment Agencies Act, with enforcement by a statutory regulator. And by working with an agency, workers always have someone looking out for them on a client site. 

“With the Budget next week, firms are looking for more detail on how the government will support growth. Today’s impact assessment shows that the measures in the Bill have a cost impact, that will fall on firms who are already facing a wide range of other rising costs. It’s time to back British business.” 

Notes to editors 

Click here to view all REC press releases and for more information and interview enquiries, contact the REC Press Office on 020 7009 2157, 020 7009 2129 or pressoffice@rec.uk.com. Outside of regular office hours, please call 07702 568 829. 

The REC is the voice of the recruitment industry, speaking up for great recruiters. We drive standards and empower recruitment businesses to build better futures for great candidates and themselves. We are champions of an industry which is fundamental to the strength of the UK economy. 

Find out more about the Recruitment & Employment Confederation at www.rec.uk.com.