Good Work Plan Phase Two: Consultation on measures to address one-sided flexibility
19 July 2019
- As part of the second phase of Government’s Good Work Plan it has been proposed that millions of flexible workers will now be given extra rights to take back more control over their working lives.
- The proposed rights include:
- compensation for workers when shifts are cancelled at short notice,
- entitlement to a reasonable period of notice for their allocated shifts; and
- additional protections for individuals who are penalised if they do not accept shifts last minute
- The proposal is subject to a consultation, “GOOD WORK PLAN - Consultation on measures to address one-sided flexibility” which will run until 11 October 2019
- Low Pay Commission Chair Bryan Sanderson suggested that this new introduction may have the potential to improve work and life for hundreds of thousands of people.
- Research has shown that 40% of UK workers say that their hours vary weekly, with around 1.7 million workers experiencing anxiety that their working hours could change without reasonable notice.
Aspire Comment
It is encouraging to see that Government are taking further steps to protect the vulnerable workers in the industry. Nevertheless, the implications that additional requirements for workers may have on agencies and other engagers may be less favourable. This is another employment necessity that employers will need to incorporate into their working contracts, and this may generate a “one step forward, two steps back” feeling.
It is important that those on ‘the front line’ have their say by responding to the consultation.
View a copy of the consultation See more news
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