UK Labour Government Plans ‘Right to Switch Off’ – Impact on Productivity and Business

An article from the Daily Mail, authored by Greg Heffer and David Wilcock, reports on the Labour government’s plans to grant employees the right to ignore work-related messages outside of office hours. This initiative, led by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, aims to increase productivity by allowing workers to “switch off” after hours, similar to policies in Belgium and Ireland.

From a Conservative perspective, this policy is seen as problematic. Critics argue that it could lead to a nation of “clock watchers” and harm businesses. There is concern that such measures will increase red tape and make the UK less competitive, potentially leading to business closures and job losses. Shadow business secretary Kevin Hollinrake suggests that making flexible working the default transfers too much power from employers to employees, stifling economic growth.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, a former Cabinet minister, states that the UK already has a productivity issue exacerbated by the shift to remote working. He warns that these new regulations could further harm productivity and deter job creation. Tom Clougherty from the Institute of Economic Affairs adds that the proposed regulations could reduce labour market flexibility and increase structural unemployment.

Labour’s broader workers’ rights agenda, dubbed the “Red Revolution,” includes additional measures such as banning zero-hour contracts and scrapping certain anti-strike laws, which are viewed as rewarding unions and increasing burdens on businesses. This plan is seen by Conservatives as a typical socialist approach, emphasizing big government and increased regulation, which they argue could hamper economic progress.

Cited from the Daily Mail article by Greg Heffer and David Wilcock .