EEF will now be examining in detail this strategy paper covering a wide range of issues but its initial reaction is that it:-
1. Welcomes the statement that the Government has “no intention of changing industrial action laws or taking other measures that would damage employability or competitiveness in the UK”.
2. Supports the Government’s statement that its consultation on the differing rights and responsibilities in employment law of “employees” and “workers” shows that there is no need for further legislation in this area.
3. Welcomes the Government’s commitment to the flexibility that is provided by allowing individuals to work long hours if they wish to do so but also to choose not to work longer than 48-hours on average a week”.
Commenting on these proposals, EEF Deputy Director of Employment Policy, David Yeandle, said in a Press Release dated Thursday 30th March 2006:
“This policy paper is something of a curate’s egg. Whilst the government’s stated policy objective to reduce the cost and complexity of employment law will be welcomed by manufacturers, we will need to monitor closely its implementation to ensure this objective is achieved.
However, we have concerns about some of the proposals, particularly the idea of including occupational pensions in the statutory collective bargaining agenda. Whilst we support the new legal requirement to consult employees before making significant changes to their occupational pension scheme, our members strongly oppose any statutory requirement to negotiate about pensions with unions who, in many cases, represent a minority of pension scheme members.”
Click here for the strategy paper in full.