Source · Select Committees · Business and Trade Committee
Recommendation 19
19
Deferred
Extend Workers Bill provisions to include secure contracts, schedule notice, and cancelled shift compensation.
Recommendation
We also agree with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation that policy solutions are required to ensure more, good-quality flexible job opportunities are available for workers on low pay. We note the Government’s support for the Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Bill, but we recommend that the Government extend the provisions of that private Members’ bill so that there is a: i) default right to a secure contract after 26 weeks of work; ii) right to four weeks’ notice of working schedules; and iii) right to compensation for cancelled shifts (Paragraph 123) 68 Post-pandemic economic growth: UK labour markets
Government Response Summary
The government's response focuses on its actions to deter 'fire and rehire' practices, including publishing a draft statutory code of practice for consultation, but does not address the committee's specific recommendations to extend the Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Bill.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The Government continues to take action to deter companies from malpractice. This includes taking action to address the practice of dismissal and re-engagement, also known as ‘fire and rehire’. We published a draft statutory code of practice for consultation in January and are currently analysing responses. The Code sets out employers’ responsibilities when seeking to change contractual terms and conditions of employment and seeks to ensure dismissal and re-engagement is only 12 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nine-point-plan-for-seafarers-our-commitments-to-protect- seafarers/nine-point-plan-for-seafarers-our-commitments-to-protect-seafarers 18 Post-pandemic economic growth: UK labour markets: Government Response used as a last resort. Once in force, an Employment Tribunal will be able to increase an employee’s compensation in certain circumstances by up to 25% if an employer has unreasonably failed to comply with the Code.