CBI responds to Angela Rayner's Labour Party Conference speech

Matthew Percival, CBI Director of Work and Skills, said:  

“Labour market flexibility is a key pillar of the UK’s competitiveness, driving better outcomes for everyone. 

“Businesses agree that flexibility must be matched with fairness, particularly given the clear linkage between good employee relations and higher productivity. However, poorly targeted legislation risks damaging a key strength of the UK economy without having the desired effect on living standards. 

“Legislative changes around day one rights, whilst well intentioned, will make it impossible for firms to have probationary periods. Businesses will also be concerned that taking a narrow view of good work will make labour shortages worse by making it harder to offer the flexible contracts that many people value.”