Matthew Taylor’s review into Modern Employment Practices: Business in the Community’s response

Responding to Matthew Taylor’s Government-commissioned review into modern employment practices, Cath Sermon, Employment Director for Business in the Community said:

“Business in the Community welcomes Matthew Taylor’s much-needed review into modern employment practices. Despite high employment levels since the recession, many jobs in today’s world of work are low-paid, insecure and unpredictable.

We know from our experience supporting thousands of people into employment that low-paid work is not always a stepping stone out of poverty. Too many people face the choice between a job that fails to take them out of poverty or continued unemployment – no choice at all.

To build a country and economy that works for everyone, workers need good quality jobs which offer security, rights and fair pay, as well as the opportunity for development and progression and a supportive environment.

That’s why we’re encouraged that today’s review proposes solutions to some of the challenges in the labour market which we have highlighted. In particular, improved rights for people in insecure employment and the “right to request” fixed hours for people on zero-hour contracts.

The Government now needs to act on these recommendations while ensuring any policy changes are genuinely beneficial to workers and the economy.

Responsible employers should not wait to take action, they must drive this agenda forward. Currently, few businesses have a strategy in place to improve low-paid work, despite the long-term business gains this could bring.

We know there are practical actions that employers can take to improve the lives of low-paid workers – and we will continue to work with our members to create good quality jobs. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it will also help to solve the UK’s productivity challenge and enable employers to build stable and engaged workforces.

As technology continues to radically disrupt the shape and size of our workforce, it’s crucial we redefine what responsible employment looks like – particularly for the most vulnerable people in our society. Work has a profound impact on all aspects of our lives, so we urge the Government and businesses to rise to the challenge of creating an inclusive society in which everyone can thrive.”