In the latest series of meetings on the Make Work Pay plan, the
Deputy Prime Minister and Business Secretary
will today [Wednesday 11
September] host a Small Business Breakfast in Downing Street to
discuss the upcoming legislation.
Ministers are reaching all parts of the business community –
large and small, and across a range of sectors – to discuss the
government's plans to Make Work Pay. It follows a meeting last
week with leading businesses including John Lewis, Sainsbury's
and McDonalds to discuss the Bill.
This meeting will be an opportunity for Ministers to set out the
ambition for the Employment Rights Bill and wider Make Work Pay
programme, which will modernise the world of work by ending
exploitative zero-hour contracts, extending day one employment
protections on unfair dismissal and delivering a genuine living
wage.
Ministers will update small businesses on the progress made so
far and what to expect over the coming weeks and months, and
ministers are also expected to reassure small business leaders
that they will be heard loud and clear.
The Business Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister will continue to
have engagements with businesses of all sizes, industry
representatives and trade unions with increasing frequency, up to
and beyond the introduction of the Employment Rights Bill.
The UK currently has one of the least protected labour markets
compared to our international partners which is why we are
working with business and civil society to deliver meaningful
reforms that will transform the world of work and benefit
businesses of all sizes.
We are committed to delivering our plan for small businesses
which includes reforming outdated business rates, tackling the
scourge of late payments, getting more small firms exporting
around the world, boosting access to finance and re-vitalising
our high streets to support small businesses to thrive.
Deputy Prime Minister said:
We have so many brilliant small businesses across the country
which are the lifeblood of our economy and provide opportunities
for so many.
Delivering our plan to Make Work Pay means working with employers
to modernise the world of work. That's why coming together to
hear their views is so important, so we can implement the
plan together in partnership and make it a success.
Business Secretary said:
Small businesses across the UK make a huge contribution the
economy and our communities - and we value the perspective they
bring to the Make Work Pay Plan.
Small business owners don't always face the same challenges as
big business, so it is vital we talk to them directly on policies
that will impact them to ensure their feedback helps shape our
plan, so we can boost productivity and create the right
conditions for their businesses to grow.
List of attendees:
- Tina McKenzie – Policy Chair, FSB
- Shevaun Haviland – Director General, BCC
- Carly Canning – Founder, Happy Business School
- David Hudson – Founder, The HR Dept
- Kirsty Davies- Chinnock – Managing Director, Professional
Polishing Services Ltd
- Roxanne Goodman – Founder, Female Founder Finance
- Chris Goodfellow – Managing Director, Inkwell
- Ian MacLean – Managing Director, John Smedley
- Jane O'Riordan – Chair, Caravan Restaurants
- Nick Mackenzie – CEO, Greene King
- Andrew Phillips – Managing Director, Carreg
Construction
- Ruaridh Hesketh – Founder, Galloway Lodge
- Ben Knowles – CEO, Pedal Me
- Clive Price – Manager, Barons Pubs
