<-- Back to proposed bills

Employment Update

11 May 2022

Proposing MP
Sutton and Cheam
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement addresses the Government's intention to widen the ban on exclusivity clauses for workers earning below or equivalent to the Lower Earnings Limit (£123 a week) to support low-income workers in boosting their income.

Action Requested

The Government is proposing to extend the ban on exclusivity clauses to contracts where the guaranteed weekly income is £123 or less. This will be delivered through new secondary legislation that will be laid before Parliament in due course, following a consultation launched in December 2020.

Key Facts

  • Exclusivity clauses restrict staff from working for multiple employers and were banned in zero hours contracts in 2015.
  • An estimated 1.5 million workers earn on or below £123 a week, the Lower Earnings Limit.
  • The Government will extend the ban to those earning below or equivalent to the Lower Earnings Limit of £123 a week.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy