More than half of retail jobs could be affected by changes to guaranteed working hours, making it harder for stores to hire people – especially young workers – on part-time jobs, an industry lobby group has warned.
From April, the Employment Rights Act will introduce new protections for workers for sick pay, sexual harassment, parental leave and trade union recognition.
More guaranteed hours rights for those currently on “minimum hours” or “minimum hours” contracts, flexible working, pay to cancel short shifts and restrictive firing and hiring practices in many positions will take place next year.
However, the government is yet to decide the maximum number of hours of the minimum hours contract and the period of weeks during which the regular working methods can be evaluated in order to determine the guaranteed hours.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC), which represents most retailers in the UK, says guaranteed hours protection should only apply to contracts of eight hours a week or less, and the reference period should be at least 26 weeks – or ideally a full year. It says this will better reflect seasonal working practices and ensure that reforms address real problems without undermining jobs.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, said: “Flexible retail jobs are a key part of how millions of people are able to stay in work. As the UK’s largest private sector employer, retail offers opportunities for students who earn income alongside their studies, parents balancing childcare and managing health conditions.
“Traders support the goal of improving job security, but the details of the implementation of the Labor Rights Act will be important. If the changes consider flexibility as a problem rather than something that workers actively choose, the opportunities are reduced and less to find a job.”
The BRC said 55% of retail jobs are part-time, higher than the UK average of 33%, according to its analysis.
It said workers value flexibility, with a survey of 2,000 adults by Opinium for the BRC finding 52% of UK adults think the ability to change working hours around their lives is important. It said that the retail sector offers jobs that allow those with moderate learning, care responsibilities or health needs to stay at work.
However, retail trade union Usdaw said their evidence showed that the new rights would significantly benefit those in insecure jobs, particularly women and disabled workers.
Joanne Thomas, general secretary of Usdaw, said: “The retail industry is notorious for unsustainable working conditions and retail workers are completely dependent on basic employment rights, particularly from non-unionised employers.
“Tackling precarious jobs is good for the economy, growth and individual workers who should have a guaranteed living wage.”
Paul Nowak, general secretary of the TUC trade union, agreed: “Working people need security and predictability to plan their lives, manage their finances and look after their children.” No wonder this change is so popular.
He said the right to regular hours and the ban on “exploitative” hours contracts will make a real difference to the living conditions of working people. “It is important that this government commitment is fully implemented.”
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