Jonathan Reynolds, the Business Secretary at the Department of Employment Rights, has refuted accusations that the Employment Rights Bill may stifle employer’s.
Reynolds, in an interview with The Times, attacked the “bizarre approach” of the previous government to the issue of working from home. He claimed that Jacob Rees Mogg, for example, had “declared war” against people who weren’t at the office.
He stated that the Bill will provide “real economic benefit” and help to level the country up by default rights for flexible working requests, a switch-off right and the ability to be able to work from home.
Reynolds pledged to end “the culture of presenteeism in UK workplaces.”
He said: “It’s important that employers recognize that in order to motivate and retain their workforce, they need to focus on the outcomes of people and not have a presenteeism culture.”
He stressed that employers would not be forced to adopt arrangements like four-day work weeks or working from home if the new rights are introduced.
The Department for Business and Trade denied that this was the case and said any changes would only be made after consulting with the business community.
He said: “I believe there are times where it is absolutely necessary and it’s legitimate to need the workforce at the office.” “You’re learning from your more experienced colleagues at work.”
Business groups have also voiced concerns over the tension between the rights of employees on day one and the requirement for new hires complete a probationary period.
The Institute of Directors conducted a recent survey and found that 57% of companies would be less likely than before to hire. A CBI poll also claims the reforms will make the UK unattractive to investors.
Reynolds told The Times probation periods were essential for ensuring that employees “lived-up to the promise that they made in the interview”.
“Do we recognize that there should be a probationary period for someone who has just started working, where you can assess if they are fulfilling the promises they made in the interview?” “That’s what I think a probationary phase is,” he said.
Reynolds stated that the new Labour government would meet the deadline for proposals but not implementation.
He told the newspaper that he didn’t want people to believe that the employment law framework would change over night when he presented the bill, and that the “quality of legislation” was far more important than how quickly it was introduced.
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