Labor plan for workers’ rights could scare employers, recruiters warn

Recruiters have warned the government to avoid “scaring employers” over workers’ rights.

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation said Labour’s employment laws could affect jobs.

Industry figures have urged Deputy First Minister Angela Rayner and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds to do everything they can to “reduce the damage” to businesses and the wider economy.

Labour’s plans include giving workers rights from day one and cracking down on zero-hours contracts.

It will also scrap conservative measures to restrict strikes.

But Neil Carberry, chief executive of the REC, said: ‘Plans to make gig work pay must not inadvertently jeopardise access to temporary work by scaring off employers.

Uncertainty about what new work rules might mean must be addressed by designing the rules with businesses.

Sectors such as hospitality rely on part-time and temporary workers. They say these employees also value flexibility.

Other business groups, including the Confederation of British Industry, have warned of “unintended consequences”.

The Labour Party has promised to push through changes within its first 100 days of taking office.