In the recent King's Speech, Sir Keir Starmer unveiled Labour's ambitious workers' rights plans, guaranteeing the right to flexible working from "day one" whenever feasible. While this policy aims to modernise the workplace, small shop owners in England are voicing strong concerns about its potential impact on their businesses.
The proposed legislation intends to make flexible working the default for all workers from their first day, except where it is not reasonably feasible. The bill also seeks to ban zero-hour contracts, protect employees from wrongful termination, and ensure prompt access to parental and sick leave. Labour initially outlined these measures in July 2021, with Deputy Leader Angela Rayner emphasising that the policy is about broader flexible working rights, not just working from home.
