Context
A British Retail Consortium survey found that major retailers employing half a million people believe the £5 billion a year Employment Rights Bill will have a negative impact, with 70% expecting it to affect their business negatively and half anticipating job cuts. This follows concerns about higher business rates and national insurance.
Question
A British Retail Consortium survey this week of major retailers employing half a million people found that 70% say that the £5 billion a year Employment Rights Bill will have a negative impact on their business and half said that it would lead to job cuts. How does the Minister expect our high streets to cope with that extra cost, coming on top of higher business rates and higher national insurance? When will the Government actually listen to businesses and to the people creating jobs in this country?
Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)
The Conservative party has a rather dismal record on support to workers. I gently say to the hon. Gentleman that most businesses that do the right thing by their employees support the Employment Rights Bill. One reason the Bill is so important is that it will help put more money into people’s pockets, and that will have a knock-on benefit for high street businesses.
Not addressed: Details on how high streets will manage additional costs from the Employment Rights Bill
How: The Conservative Party Has A Rather Dismal Record On Support To Workers, I Gently Say To The Hon. Gentleman That Most Businesses That Do The Right Thing By Their Employees Support The Employment Rights Bill
Was this summary accurate? Tell us
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)