A recent survey reveals that UK employees are largely ambivalent about the New Deal for Working People, recently introduced as the Employment Rights Bill in the King’s Speech.
According to the latest Robert Half Jobs Confidence Index (JCI), developed in partnership with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), less than half of the workforce believes the new legislation will benefit them.
Limited Impact Expected over rights
The data indicates that only 40 percent of UK workers expect the New Deal for Working People to positively impact their daily lives. Meanwhile, 44 percent remain uncertain about how the proposals will affect them, and 9 percent believe the changes could negatively impact their work life.
Interestingly, younger workers are more optimistic about the potential benefits of the New Deal. Over half (51%) of those aged 18-34 believe the legislation will positively influence their employment.
However, the survey also highlights a significant communication gap between employers and employees. More than a third of workers (36%) are unsure whether their current employment benefits align with the measures proposed in the New Deal. This suggests that unless employers clearly communicate existing and upcoming benefits, the impact of the new legislation may be limited.
Challenges in Skills and Productivity
The report underscores ongoing concerns about skills and productivity in the UK economy. Labour productivity, measured by output per hour worked, fell by 0.3 percent on an annual basis in the second quarter of this year, pointing to persistent challenges in the workforce.
Robert Half’s analysis suggests that these productivity issues underscore the need for a broader discussion involving all stakeholders, including businesses. The aim should be to align resources effectively to ensure that both workers and the economy can thrive in a global marketplace.
Matt Weston, Senior Managing Director for the UK & Ireland at Robert Half, emphasised the importance of skills development in driving long-term economic benefits. “We welcome any changes that boost the wellbeing of the workforce,” Weston said. “However, it’s notable that a significant portion of UK employees remain lukewarm about the New Deal’s impact on their jobs.”
Weston added that younger workers might be more receptive to change because they have a longer working future ahead. However, the widespread lack of awareness about current employer offerings points to potential miscommunication.
“Employers must consider the cost and resource implications of the proposed changes,” Weston noted. “A thoughtful and staggered rollout is crucial, and the skills agenda must be part of the conversation. To organically boost income, productivity and skills need to be addressed alongside new measures to protect workers and safeguard their rights.”
The introduction of the New Deal for Working People presents both opportunities and challenges, and its success may hinge on how well employers and policymakers navigate these complexities.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
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