Low-paid UK Workers Given Freedom to Take Extra Jobs

The UK Government is preparing to consult on low-paid UK employment contracts with the aim of giving such employees more freedom. According to a recent report, low-paid contracts are largely strict in their terms, not permitting workers to take extra jobs to bolster their income. This has proven particularly problematic for those facing money troubles during the pandemic. The plan is for exclusivity rights in contacts to be banned.  

In a consultation launched on Friday, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Beis) announced that the ban could apply to workers with a weekly income below £120 a week. 

The Government believed that with this exclusive ban, close to 2 million UK workers could start to top up their wages. Employers would also be able to tap into a larger pool of part-time staff. The Government believes that this will encourage a new wave of start-up businesses laying down roots in the UK.  

A particular focus will be placed on the technology, legal and other sectors, with pillars being put in place to enable individuals to start up businesses or join competing employers. 

 
“A more flexible approach to non-compete clauses would be great for the start-up ecosystem,” said Dominic Hallas, executive director for the Coalition for a Digital Economy, a start-up business group.  

“You might have some moaning from incumbents but it will be great for British tech and the British economy in the long run.” 

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