Key facts
- Half of UK part-time staff would reject a promotion if it meant losing flexibility.
- The BRC warns that strict enforcement of the Employment Rights Act could hinder career progression.
- Retail and hospitality sectors express concern over guaranteed hours impacting seasonal work.
- The government is establishing a Fair Work Agency to oversee new employment legislation.
- Industry groups are advocating for a minimum guaranteed hours threshold of eight hours per week.
Half of the UK's part-time workforce would decline a promotion if it meant sacrificing their current flexible working arrangements, according to new polling commissioned by the British Retail Consortium (BRC). The YouGov data reveals that 50 per cent of individuals who do not work full-time would only accept increased responsibility if they could retain their part-time status. This comes as the government is considering how to implement its Employment Rights Act, a key manifesto pledge aimed at guaranteeing staff a minimum number of hours and ending zero-hours contracts. While unions and ministers have lauded the act as a significant upgrade to workers' rights, industry leaders, particularly in the retail and hospitality sectors, have voiced concerns that its strict application could limit job opportunities for flexible and young workers. Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, warned that an overly rigid interpretation of the act could stifle employees' career aspirations. She stressed the importance of balancing genuine security with the preservation of flexible roles that facilitate progression. Simon Wolfson, the boss of Next and a member of the House of Lords, has also been a vocal critic, particularly regarding the guaranteed hours provision. He argued that this could pose challenges for retailers due to the sector's seasonal nature, potentially leading to permanent contracts for hours that are not consistently needed. The government is establishing a new regulator, the Fair Work Agency, to oversee compliance with the new legislation. This agency will be responsible for determining the 'hours threshold' above which employers must offer more permanent contracts. The BRC is advocating for this threshold to be set at a minimum of eight hours per week, arguing it would better accommodate seasonal working patterns and protect flexible jobs. UK Hospitality chair Kate Nicholls echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the polling underscores the high value placed on flexibility. She noted that the hospitality industry relies heavily on flexible arrangements to support millions of individuals balancing work with study, caregiving, and family life. Nicholls urged the government to find a balance between job security and the flexibility that many workers depend on.