As part of its Good Work Plan the Government has published a consultation aimed at establishing a new single enforcement body for employment rights. This is the latest stage of the response to the Taylor Review of Modern Working Practices, which made detailed recommendations for reforming UK employment law.
The Government has recognised that effective enforcement is essential if individuals are to feel confident to challenge employers when they believe they are being denied their rights. In particular the most vulnerable workers need to be made to feel greatly more supported.
The potential advantages of a single enforcement body include extended state enforcement, more effective support for businesses, co-ordinated working and the improved pooling of intelligence and resources with other enforcement bodies.
A new enforcement body could take responsibility for the National Minimum Wage, relieving HMRC; employment agency regulation, relieving the Employment Agency Standard Inspectorate; umbrella companies; temporary labour licenses in high risk sectors, relieving the Gangmasters Labour Abuse Authority; worker exploitation and holiday pay for vulnerable workers. Potentially, it could also play a role in Employment Tribunal awards.
The consultation closes on 6th October 2019.