Memorandum by Brethren Christian Fellowship
Further information can be found on the only
website endorsed by the Brethren which is www.theexclusivebrethren.com.
Many brethren run SME's and as employers strive
to treat their employees well and fairly. Those who are employed
also aim to work diligently for their employers based on the exhortations
in the Holy Scriptures;
Col. 4 v 1 "Masters give unto your servants
that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a master
in heaven".
Col. 3 v 22 "Servants obey in all things
your masters according to the flesh: not with eye service as men
pleasers, but in singleness of heart fearing God".
In response to the questions;
1. The UK labour market is not as flexible
as it used to be but is still more flexible than most European
countries.
2. In our view labour reform has already
gone too far and should go no further as this will increasingly
damage our competitiveness in the market place.
3. In our view employment security in this
country is well balanced with flexibility. Sufficient laws are
in place to protect against rogue employers who would exploit
their workforce and yet there is flexibility for those who like
varied working environments and part time work to balance other
obligations of life.
4. Manufacturing in this country is suffering
form competition from the Far East where labour costs are much
lower than ours. It is therefore essential to have a flexible
workforce in order to survive. This is important to cope with
trade and seasonal fluctuations and the burden of increasing regulation
affecting every field of operation. It is important that this
balance is maintained as good intentioned increases in job security
can discourage employers hiring more workers which will affect
availability of jobs themselves. This may have the effect of improving
efficiency and productivity but at the same time restrain growth.
6. To attempt to apply "one size fits
all" labour laws across the European Union would be a mistake
and have the reverse effect of the objectives of the "Lisbon
Strategy" of achieving sustainable growth with more and better
jobs.
Europe has varied cultures, working practices,
and local traditions and conditions therefore it is important
for member states to formulate their own labour laws to seek to
meet these variables.
The flexible working practices in the UK have
helped migrant workers find suitable employment and make a valuable
contribution to the economy. More rigid protection would exclude
many from getting onto the employment ladder.
During the formulation of labour laws in this
country unions and employers are consulted but they do not exercise
control as they do in some EU countries. This has helped to have
a more balanced employment regime.
Much labour law in the past has demanded better
conditions, pay and job security in existing employment. What
is now needed is more flexibility and the availability of retraining
to increase the mobility of labour in an ever changing world.
We make this brief submission on behalf of a
group of Christians who run many small to medium sized business
and flexibility is important to reflect our Christian Ethos in
our workplaces.
We would conclude by saying the need is for
more flexibility and less regulation.
17 April 2007
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