Further blow to labour market as Queen’s Speech fails to deliver on long-promised Employment Bill

The UK Government included promises to deliver on Carers’ Leave and flexible working in its election manifesto of 2019 but have not taken these promises further. Such provisions are crucial for over 50s to remain in employment as they become increasingly likely to have caring responsibilities and to manage health conditions.

Workers aged between 50 and 64 have been significantly impacted by the pandemic with the employment rate in this group dropping by 1.6 percentage points since the start of the pandemic.

Enshrining Carers’ Leave and flexible working rights for all employees from day one would have a significant impact in helping keep older workers in employment and potentially return many more who have left the labour market over the past two years.

“It is truly shocking that the Queen’s Speech has once again failed to include any provisions for Carers’ Leave or flexible working for all employees from day one.

“Making these 2019 election promises a reality would make a huge difference to the lives of many, both in work and currently out-of-work. They could have a profound impact on the ability of people to remain in work for longer, in line with the Government’s ambition to increase State Pension Age.

“Older workers have been hardest hit by disruption to labour markets caused by the pandemic and are in need of much greater support to remain in and to return to work.

“Of course, many sensible employers will already be taking it upon themselves to strengthen their flexible working policies in order to compete in this tight labour market and attract as broad a range of employees as possible, including over 50s. However, we urgently need government to introduce this flexible working legislation as promised – not just to create a level playing field for older workers in the labour market but also to address the chronic skills and labour shortages we are seeing across so many industries.”