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Extension of exclusivity ban to lowest paid workers

On 9 May the government announced that it plans to extend the ban on exclusivity clauses in employment contracts for the lowest paid workers.

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Published 9 May 2022

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In 2015, the government made exclusivity clauses for zero hour workers unenforceable, allowing them to take up several jobs to top up their income. Now, the government is proposing to extend this protection to workers who earn less than £123 per week.

Business Minister Paul Scully stated in the government press release:

“By extending the ban on exclusivity clauses, we are putting more control into the hands of the lowest paid, giving them the freedom to decide who they work for and how often, including the option to top up their pay packet if they wish.”

The government states the new protections would benefit an estimated 1.5 million workers and offer them flexibility in their working practices. However, some might feel the government’s proposals don’t go far enough to protect low paid workers, and its impact will be minimal. Time will tell if the proposals will have any meaningful impact on the lives of the lowest paid in society, which are already struggling as the cost of living crisis takes hold.

You can read the government’s press release here: Lowest paid workers to be given flexibility to top up their pay under government reforms – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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Shorter Reads

Extension of exclusivity ban to lowest paid workers

On 9 May the government announced that it plans to extend the ban on exclusivity clauses in employment contracts for the lowest paid workers.

Published 9 May 2022

Associated sectors / services

  • Employment law for employers

Authors

In 2015, the government made exclusivity clauses for zero hour workers unenforceable, allowing them to take up several jobs to top up their income. Now, the government is proposing to extend this protection to workers who earn less than £123 per week.

Business Minister Paul Scully stated in the government press release:

“By extending the ban on exclusivity clauses, we are putting more control into the hands of the lowest paid, giving them the freedom to decide who they work for and how often, including the option to top up their pay packet if they wish.”

The government states the new protections would benefit an estimated 1.5 million workers and offer them flexibility in their working practices. However, some might feel the government’s proposals don’t go far enough to protect low paid workers, and its impact will be minimal. Time will tell if the proposals will have any meaningful impact on the lives of the lowest paid in society, which are already struggling as the cost of living crisis takes hold.

You can read the government’s press release here: Lowest paid workers to be given flexibility to top up their pay under government reforms – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Associated sectors / services

  • Employment law for employers

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