Welcome step up in labour market enforcement must be matched by real action on employment rights 7 February 2018 Commenting on the government’s response to the Taylor Review of Modern Working Practices, published today (Wednesday), Torsten Bell, Director of the Resolution Foundation, said: “The government is right to be taking concrete measures to boost enforcement of our labour market rules and to increase the fines for employers who break them too often. In the past we have left individuals to enforce their own rights so a clear role for HMRC in policing sick and holiday pay is welcome. Ensuring all workers get a clear statement of their employment rights on their first day in a job will also help raise standards. “On employment rights themselves the government has announced a wide range of consultations. For some of these, such as the complex issue of employment status, that is sensible. But the risk for others is that the government gives us a topic of conversation when what Britain really needs is an agenda for action. “Looking at the rules that some firms use to get round equal pay for agency workers is better than nothing – but ending those rules is the right thing to do. On zero and short hour contracts, workers should have a right to a contract that reflects the hours they actually work – not just a right to request one. “The government has asked the Low Pay Commission to look at the most radical proposal in Matthew Taylor’s Review, requiring firms to pay a higher minimum wage for non-contracted hours. Whether it sees the light of day remains to be seen. “The Taylor Review, high profile court cases and the experience of workers across Britain over the last few years have shown us all that we need to do more to make our labour market deliver for those working hard in it. With employment at record highs now is the time to do it, not just talk about it.”
