The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has responded to the government's proposed changes to the Employment Rights Bill, expressing cautious optimism about the consultation process while emphasising the need for careful consideration of the independent retail sector's unique challenges.
The bill, set to overhaul significant aspects of UK employment law, includes provisions for extended parental leave, changes to flexible working rights, new protections for workers in the gig economy, and alterations to the rules governing zero-hours contracts.
These sweeping reforms could have far-reaching implications for independent retailers across the country, potentially affecting staffing structures, operational costs, and overall business models.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said, "We are pleased that the proposed changes will go through a process of consultation after the Act becomes law. It is vital that the government works with independent retailers to implement the changes with the least possible disruption to the businesses. While we support measures that enhance workers' rights, we must ensure that these changes don't disproportionately burden small independent retailers who often operate on tight margins.
"The consultation process will be crucial in striking the right balance between protecting workers and maintaining the viability of our high streets. We urge the government to consider the unique position of independent retailers, who may lack the resources of larger corporations to easily absorb significant changes to employment practices," he added.
Bira, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, emphasised the importance of a nuanced approach to implementing new employment regulations.
Mr Goodacre said: "Independent retailers often have close-knit teams and more flexible working arrangements, which could be impacted by one-size-fits-all legislation. Particular concerns from us also include the potential administrative burden of extended parental leave on small businesses and the challenges of implementing new flexible working rights in retail environments where customer-facing roles are essential."
