Ensuring Stability for Atypical Workers
New measures are to be introduced by the Government to combat one-sided flexibility and support employees who work variable hours. The new legislation will require employers to put more planning into how they use variable working arrangements. It outlined that all employees will have the right to switch to more predictable working patterns.
The Government was also seeking the views from employers on the introduction of reasonable notice of work schedules and compensation when shifts are cancelled without such notice.
These new measures are designed to ensure employees have more stability in their working arrangements when working variable shift patterns.
Research carried out by the CIPD stated that 17% of employers with low paid employees with flexible hours, provided employees with no more than a day’s notice before their shifts. The CIPD also reported that their research on zero-hours contracts showed that most employees were satisfied with their working arrangements. Although 40% said, they received no notice when work was cancelled.
The consultation asks employers what they would define as reasonable notice of work schedules as well as the likely impact a right to a reasonable notice would have on their operations.
It also seeks opinions on if the right to reasonable notice of work schedules should be guaranteed from the start of employment. Or if a certain amount of time should be worked before someone is eligible.
Compensation for Cancelled Shifts
On the issue of compensation for cancelled shifts at short notice, the consultation wanted opinions on what would be viewed as a fair amount of compensation and put forward three suggestions:
• The value of the shift in question
• The ‘worker’s appropriate NMW rate multiplied by their scheduled number of hours that have been cancelled
• A multiple of the ‘worker’s appropriate NMW rate – and if so, what multiple?
One clear thing, employers with atypical employees, will need to put more planning into how they manage their schedules. They will also need proper communication tools to make employees aware of schedules and changes.
NOVA Smart workforce planning software will ensure your company achieves this.
Key Benefits of Workforce Scheduling Software:
• A robust and comprehensive tool that enables you to manage all your workforce planning requirements
• Complete coverage for your businesses rules, policies and regulations
• Help with compliance with employment laws
• Allocation of staff by floor, department or location
• Quick replacement of staff, due to absence
• No repetition of scheduling with automated processes
• Clear overview of staff holidays and absences
• Control of labour costs
• Seamless integration with your existing HR software
• User-friendly interface
We would love to tell you more, so please contact us at info@novative.com or call 0117 959 5311
