Over the last two days the British Chambers of Commerce has been involved in discussion on amendments to the Employment Rights Bill, alongside a number of other key business groups and trades unions.
The British Chambers of Commerce acts on behalf of accredited member chambers, including Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, representing the interests of business.
Reacting to the news that the Government has agreed to a six-month qualifying period for unfair dismissal in the Employment Rights Bill, the six business groups involved in tripartite discussions, 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.”
Suzanne Caldwell, managing director of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, added: “It’s really positive news that this change has been agreed.
“Taking on someone new is always something of a leap of faith an neither party knows how it will work out. So it’s important that employers are able to sever the relationship quickly and simply if things aren’t working out, for whatever reason.
“The move agreed brings this forward considerably from the current two years but provides a reasonable balance.
“Confidence to take a chance on new people is particularly important at the current time as partners start to implement Connect to Work across the county, aiming to get more people with barriers and challenges into sustainable work. It’s vital to the success of this initiative that employers fare willing to give people an opportunity.
“It also bodes well that this agreement has been reached by business groups, unions and the Government working together.”
