Lowest-paid workers given flexibility to top up their pay 

The government will widen the ban on exclusivity clauses giving lowest-paid workers the choice to work multiple jobs if they wish.

Britain’s lowest-paid workers will be given the flexibility to boost their income through extra work, under new plans set out by the government.

The proposals will widen the ban on exclusivity clauses, which restrict staff from working for multiple employers, to contracts where the guaranteed weekly income is on or below the lower earnings limit of £123 a week.

An estimated 1.5 million workers are earning on or below £123 a week and the new reforms will ensure that workers in this group who have exclusivity clauses are able to top up their income with extra work if they choose.

The reforms will give workers more flexibility over when and where they work to best suit their personal circumstances such as childcare or study, including the option of working multiple short-hour contracts.

Business Minister Paul Scully said the government was creating a high-skilled, high productivity labour market that supports workers by removing unnecessary red tape, helping the British people boost their incomes and keep more of what they earn.

“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,” he said.

As well as supporting workers to increase their income, the reforms would also benefit businesses by widening the talent pool of job applicants to those who may have been prevented from applying for roles due to an exclusivity clause with another employer, and also help businesses fill vacancies in key sectors like retail and hospitality.

Source Financial Accountant click here to read more.