CIPR welcomes overhaul of employment rights
The CIPR has welcomed a promise by the government to overhaul employment rights and improve conditions for millions of workers, including those in the gig economy.
The changes, announced in response to last year’s Taylor review, include stricter enforcement of holiday and sick pay rights and higher fines for firms that breach contracts or mistreat staff.
The CIPR’s upcoming State of the Profession 2018 report reveals more than one in ten (12%) of PR professionals identify as independent practitioners. The Institute is keen to ensure that the industry considers its own approach to working with freelancers and that new entrants to public relations are protected from any forms of exploitation. The Institute will gather the views of independent PR practitioners over the coming weeks to ensure their views are communicated to government.
The nature of employment and career progression is evolving and we need laws that reflect the modern business world. The growth of the ‘gig-economy’ in particular has raised new concerns. These employees are public facing and, as ambassadors, businesses need to be aware of the risk attached to having a disengaged and under-trained workforce, often with no career development plans in place. As well as the obvious reputation risk this brings, together with a high turnover in staff, this will ultimately see a fall in standards. The temptation to fill any talent gap quickly is something British business can ill afford, particularly as we look to leave the EU.
An engaged workforce can bring about positive change and huge benefits to a business by improving the working culture. Organisations that largely rely on their front line staff working under the gig economy are missing out on valuable insight on how to improve and develop. A good internal communications structure can help bridge this gap to ensure that those who choose this career path still feel engaged in their work.
For further information on the consultation, please contact Jon Gerlis on jong@cipr.co.uk.
Notes to editors
About the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)Founded in 1948, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is the Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners in the UK and overseas. The CIPR is the largest membership organisation for PR practitioners outside of North America. By size of turnover and number of individually registered members, we are the leading representative body for the PR profession and industry in Europe.
The CIPR advances professionalism in public relations by making its members accountable to their employers and the public through a code of conduct and searchable public register, setting standards through training, qualifications, awards and the production of best practice and skills guidance, facilitating Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and awarding Chartered Public Relations Practitioner status (Chart.PR).