13 Mar
Question
Employment Regulation

In a recent Question session in the House of Commons focusing on employment regulation, a robust dialogue emerged surrounding the balance between business flexibility and worker rights. Key concerns highlighted included the potential negative impacts of the proposed Employment Rights Bill. Katie Lam, representing the Conservative Party, opened the dialogue with a focus on reducing employment regulations to benefit businesses, reflecting local business concerns about hiring hesitancy due to increased regulatory burdens and taxation.

Justin Madders responded by emphasizing the government’s broader strategy to create a fair playing environment through legislation aimed at tackling low pay and improving working conditions. His defense of the Bill underscored the government's commitment to establishing a baseline of rights for workers intended to stabilize the job market and potentially foster long-term economic growth.

80%

Percentage of businesses in Weald of Kent expressing hiring hesitance due to regulatory changes.

Katie Lam reiterated her criticism by citing a local survey, showcasing a significant apprehension among businesses regarding the Employment Rights Bill. She stressed the need for thorough assessments of its implications. Justin Madders counter-argued by citing another survey indicating support for new rights such as day one sick pay, illustrating the Bill's public support and its role in enhancing worker dignity and business standards.

76

Number of constituents supporting day one sick pay rights.

Overall, the session underscored the ideological clash between promoting business friendliness through deregulation and enhancing worker protections.

Outcome

The session concluded without a decisive policy shift; however, it spotlighted significant divides on how employment regulation impacts economic growth and worker well-being. The debate also revealed a need for more comprehensive data and impact assessments to facilitate informed decision-making on the Bill.

Key Contributions

Katie LamSpeaker
Conservative

Sought reductions in employment regulations, reflecting business anxieties in her constituency.

Justin MaddersSpeaker

Reassured that the government's policy aims are to enhance job quality and long-term economic growth by revising working conditions.

Original Transcript
Katie Lam
Weald of Kent
Con
Question
UIN: 903167

8. If he will take steps to reduce employment regulation for businesses.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade
Justin Madders
09:58

The plan to make work pay is central to our plan for change, to grow the economy, raise living standards and create opportunities for all. It will tackle low pay, poor working conditions and job insecurity, creating long-term growth and investment to support businesses.

Insights gained from our ongoing engagement with businesses will help us ensure proportionate and effective policy. Our plan to make work pay will ensure a level playing field, so that employers that are trying to do the right thing are not undercut.

Katie Lam
09:59

I sent a survey about how the Government have treated business to every registered company in the Weald of Kent, and they are terrified. Some 80% of them—four in five—are less likely to hire following soaring taxes and the truly dire Employment Rights Bill.

The Regulatory Policy Committee found the Government’s own impact assessment for the Bill not fit for purpose. Will the Minister conduct a proper assessment of the damage the Bill will do, or should I send him mine?

Justin Madders

I am always grateful for advice. If the hon. Lady is conducting surveys, she might look at the one that said that 76 of her constituents supported the plans in the Bill to bring in day one rights for sick pay. The importance of this Bill cannot be overstated.

We have a plan to bring businesses up to a standard where work is respected and people have security and dignity. If the hon. Lady cannot understand that, then she needs to get out a bit more.

All content derived from official parliamentary records