Hudson welcomes growth plans, urges caution on worker reforms

Hudson Contract has welcomed the new government’s pledge to “get Britain building” as part of Labour’s mission to secure economic growth in the UK. However the company has cautioned against other measures outlined in the King’s Speech that could potentially hold back construction firms.

The King’s Speech laid out a legislative programme including planning reforms to accelerate the delivery of high quality of infrastructure and housing. 

Ian Anfield, managing director of Hudson, said: “We wholeheartedly support anything that assists the construction industry. Planning reforms are long overdue. Dozens of housing developments across the country have been delayed due to environmental issues around nutrient neutrality. Meanwhile, infrastructure projects have stalled as protestors use lawyers to play legal games aimed at hindering work and escalating costs for taxpayers in the hope that plans will be scrapped.

“We all care about the environment and protecting what we have, but the focus for Sir Kier Starmer, a lawyer himself, must be for more money to be spent on building things, and less on lawyers arguing about what, where and when you can build.”

The King’s Speech also included a new deal for working people to ban exploitative practices and enhance employment rights. Labour has promised to increase the minimum wage in line with the cost of living, remove restrictions on trade union activity and ensure everyone has a contract that reflects their hours. The party also plans to establish a new enforcement body called the ‘Fair Work Agency’ and has signalled extra funding for HMRC to conduct compliance activity.

Ian Anfield said: “If enacted, these changes could be incredibly concerning for small and medium-sized companies and may discourage them from employing or training people. The changes could also negatively impact individuals who prefer multiple jobs and remove flexibility from the labour market.

“Our clients can rest assured that Hudson provides a shield to help them comply with tax and employment law so they can focus on with growing their businesses and delivering the new homes and infrastructure that Britain needs.”