Managers support plans to strengthen workers’ rights

The Government’s plans to strengthen workers’ rights has won fresh support from managers as a union leader highlighted the positive benefits of halting a “race to the bottom” in the world of work.

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) said there was nothing in Labour’s proposals that should alarm a responsible employer.

Moves to strengthening employment rights, align closely with the practices many forward-thinking employers are already adopting to make work more flexible and secure, said the CMI.

Skilled managers recognise that enhanced employment rights and better treatment at work are not just fair, they are instrumental in boosting productivity, it added.

The Government plans include a ban on exploitative zero hours contracts and so-called ‘fire and rehire’ policies as well as more rights from the first day in a job, including sick pay.

Paul Nowak, general secretary of the TUC, said there had been a race to the bottom on workers’ rights under 14 years of Conservative governments, which had led to an “epidemic” of low-paid, insecure work.

More than four million workers were now in a job with little or no security, he told a press conference ahead of the annual TUC Congress in Brighton.

“This has very real human consequences, with people worried about how they will pay their bills, or dragging themselves to work when they are ill.

“It is time to turn the page on the Conservatives’ toxic legacy.

“When people are treated fairly and feel valued, they are more productive, work harder and are more likely to stay.

“Most employers don’t use zero hours contracts but there is still a small but vocal minority of businesses fixated with a race to the bottom.”

Anthony Painter, director of policy at the CMI, said: “Improving employment rights is not about lecturing businesses.

“It should be a collaborative effort between the Government and employers to enhance productivity by raising standards and improving employee well-being.

“A lot of these measures level up employment rights to the current practice of the best employers.

“The key to success lies in skilled management.

“Employees who feel trusted and respected are not only easier to recruit and retain—they’re more likely to deliver better outcomes for their employers.

“No policy can substitute for a healthy workplace culture.

“True work-life balance stems from skilled managers and leaders who genuinely care about their employees’ well-being and understand that good business rests on good work.”

The CMI said a survey of over 1,000 UK managers found that 83% agreed that improving workers’ rights can positively impact workplace productivity, with strong support for flexible working, enhanced family-friendly policies, so-called day one rights and the right to switch off.