Businesses in Stoke Newington fear the consequences of the government’s employment overhaul.
The Employment Rights Bill, sponsored by Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, aims to ensure day-one protection against unfair dismissal, an extension of maternity leave, and stricter regulations on zero-hour contracts.
Heidi Early, chair of the Stoke Newington Business Association, said that she “agree[s] with banning zero-hour contracts”, but fears that “if you put more burdens on [employing people] it’s going to be more difficult”.
Lizzie Hunt, the manager of The Good Egg Stoke Newington, had fears about scrapping zero-hour contracts as working hours in hospitality are “sporadic”.
Craig Martin, the general manager of Meat London, said that “It seems like businesses are being hit hard again”, before adding that the overall situation was “pretty bleak”.
He said: “Of course, that’s what happens under a Labour government.”
Kieran Molloy is a MA Newpaper Journalism Student at City, University of London. He is actively interested in all stories surrounding Stoke Newington ward, particulary those involving politics, gentrification and subcultures. He formerly served as Investigations Editor for Palatinate, Durham University's award-winning student newspaper. Better than AI slop.