Responding to the King's Speech and the Government's legislative agenda, Ben Harrison, Director of the Work Foundation at Lancaster University said:

“The measures contained in the new Government’s first King’s Speech have the potential to significantly improve the working lives of people across the UK, and improve their chances of accessing more secure and well-paid jobs.

Ending an era of one-sided flexibility

“The commitment to introduce legislation to outlaw exploitative working practices – such as zero-hour contracts – may not be surprising, but it is crucial given 6.8 million people in the UK today find themselves in severely insecure work. Insecure jobs carry an average £3,276 per year pay penalty compared to more secure roles, and can be detrimental to worker’s health. As part of these reforms Government should introduce a right for all workers to access guaranteed hours in their role, and end the era of ‘one sided flexibility’ for millions at work.

Tackling ill-health

“But improving the security of jobs on offer will mean little if more isn’t also done to improve people’s chances of accessing them. Economic inactivity due to ill health remains at a 2.83 million people, so more action to help people stay in and return to employment is critical. In particular commitments to reduce NHS waiting lists and improve access to mental health services will be key.

Improving infrastructure to increase access to good jobs

“It's also very welcome to see commitments to improve poor quality infrastructure that currently mean too many people – especially women and people managing disabilities or long-term health conditions – end up trading security at work for the flexibility they need. The promise of new legislation to improve local bus services that can better connect people to employment opportunities, a renewed focus on regional industrial strategies, and the establishment of Skills England all have the potential to support more people into better paid, more secure work in the future.

A new Single Enforcement Body

“It is welcome to see a commitment to legislate for a Single Enforcement Body – to be known as the Fair Work Agency – to ensure that new labour market regulations are adhered to by all employers. In 2018, on average an employer was likely to be inspected by HMRC’s Minimum Wage Team just once every 500 years. Ensuring the Fair Work Agency is resourced properly and is a visible deterrent to rogue employers will be vital if we are to see the ambition of Labour’s New Deal for working people become a reality.

“The challenge now for the new Government will be ensuring the ambition of this King’s Speech is realised as draft Bill’s make their journey into legislation, so that workers across the UK can benefit from the proposed reforms.