BITC response to the Queen’s Speech

Following today’s speech in Parliament by HRH The Prince of Wales announcing the Government’s legislation plans for the coming year, Amanda Mackenzie OBE, Chief Executive of Business in the Community said:

“The announcement that there will be legislation to help level up the country is extremely welcomed. For the levelling up agenda to be successful, devolving powers to local authorities is crucial. The Levelling Up and Regeneration bill also gives Parliament the opportunity to ensure that businesses are involved in helping deliver on the levelling up agenda. Without the support of the private sector, and true collaboration from organisations working in communities, there is a worry that the levelling up agenda will not be successful.

“While we’re also pleased to see plans to update the Mental Health Act and legislation to support our collective responsibility to reach net zero, it was disappointing that the was no mention of the long-awaited Employment Bill. Workplaces have changed for many businesses since the pandemic and the Employment Bill was a chance to ensure that legislation is updated to support both employees and employers in this new world of working. New legislation on areas such as flexible working, parental leave, and support for unpaid carers is needed and we hope that the Government doesn’t intend to drop the Employment Bill from its plans entirely.”  

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