UK recruitment leaders have raised concerns that the Government’s proposed Employment Rights Bill could disrupt the temporary work sector, which they argue is essential to economic stability. The bill introduces measures such as guaranteed hours for zero-hours workers and statutory sick pay from day one.
Pete Taylor, Managing Director at Gi Group, joined industry representatives at the REC’s Parliamentary Reception to highlight the risks of restricting temporary employment. He emphasised that more than 1 million temporary workers contribute to the UK economy daily, supporting key industries such as logistics, engineering, and manufacturing.
Citing a recent REC survey, Taylor noted that 79% of temporary workers value job flexibility, while 81% rely on temp work for essential income. He warned that policy changes, combined with upcoming tax reforms, could create a difficult hiring environment, limiting opportunities for both businesses and job seekers.
Gi Group, headquartered in Chesterfield, employs nearly 500 people and serves 1,500 clients from 87 locations across the UK. Its parent company places one person in work every 90 seconds.