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Employment law reforms attacked
Employment law reforms announced by Vince Cable will allow company bosses to "exploit and bully" workers, unions have claimed.
Unions have criticised a proposed employment law shake-up announced by Vince Cable
Employment law reforms announced by Vince Cable will allow company bosses to "exploit and bully" workers, unions have claimed.
The Business Secretary confirmed that controversial "fire at will" proposals have been abandoned but firms are to be given stronger legal protections to pay off under-performing staff. Workers also face a drastic cut in how much compensation they can win in unfair dismissal cases as part of the shake-up aimed at getting businesses hiring again.
Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT, said: "Whilst the 'fire at will' proposal has been watered down, the remaining proposals represent an unprecedented and unacceptable attack on the employment rights of teachers and other ordinary working people.
"The Liberal Democrats should be ashamed to be associated with the introduction of measures which give employers licence to exploit, bully and discriminate against their workforce. However the coalition seeks to spin this announcement, this emphasises the contempt for working people which pervades the coalition's policies."
Mr Cable confirmed that "no-fault dismissal" proposals made in the David Cameron-commissioned Beecroft Report are being dropped after a lack of support for the idea among the business community.
The Liberal Democrat has made no secret of his opposition to the recommendation, which many Tories backed, but aides were keen to stress the controversial proposal was being ditched because there was "no significant evidence" that it would help employers and insisted Conservative as well as Lib Dem ministers were behind the move.
The Business Secretary wants to bolster settlement agreements - where employers can offer under-performing employees a pay off - so they become more widely used to resolve disputes. Under the proposals if the worker accepts the deal it will become legally protected so it cannot be used later as evidence in any court case or tribunal.
Officials insist the move is fair to employees as they are not obliged to take the offer and also incentivises bosses to come up with a good package, which can include a binding promise of a favourable reference.
Mr Cable will also consult on plans to change the limit on unfair dismissal payouts to a maximum of 12 months' salary or set it at a lower figure.
Shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna said: "Ministers should be making it easier to hire, not easier to fire people. We are in a double dip recession due to this Government's failed economic policies, not because of the protections people have at work. Instead of adopting a credible plan for growth, this Government is attacking the rights of every employee in this country."
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13Comments
14/09/2012 08:31
It's only bad companies and badly-behaved employees that lead to industrial tribunals. There's only a small few who are hellbent on winning compensation on spurious grounds. Genuine workers need to be adequately protected. Respect from employers to employees and vice versa should be the norm, but as we know from every facet of daily life standards are dwindling. No doubt if Vince Cable lost his job through inefficiency he'd been the first to hire a lawyer to fight his case.
14/09/2012 09:27
its not just employees who need protecting but also employers as on numerous occasions i have had to suspend staff on full pay to follow correct procedure due to theft when there is video evidence and they are caught red handed why should i have to pay a thief to stay of work and before anyone says it as a few a bad apples etc its not it happens a lot and not just to me
14/09/2012 09:31
14/09/2012 10:11
Brilliant! Just what working people need in the current climate - legislation to make it easier for unscrupulous employers to demand more, give less and bully hardworking employees and get away with it! Bang up job Vince, what next? Are you going to get rid of other namby pamby stuff like paternity leave and sick pay because they are bad for business? Perhaps you can take kids with special needs out of schools and send them up chimneys and down mines and factories to stimulate the economy with cheap labour?
14/09/2012 09:26
14/09/2012 10:59
'Company bosses will, however, be given stronger legal protections to get rid of under-performing staff under a shake-up of employment laws'.
Let me guess - it will be up to Company bosses to decide whether staff are under-performing or not.
The fact that there is to be a 'drastic cut' in compensation for unfair dismissal says it all.
Surely, if it is the intention to make it easier for employers to dismiss staff then the argument for reduced compensation is not valid. In fact, they should be increased!
Employment laws have been developed over years to protect employees from ruthless employers.
who will benefit from a 'shake-up'?
14/09/2012 10:44
I always fear the term 'striking a balance'.
It usually precedes something where the balance is distinctly off centre.
Vince, let me restore some balance for you.
99% of the population would welcome more security in their employment.
Striking a balance to pander to the more affluent 1% (employers) is not in the public interest.
The 'very elaborate, legalistic, time-consuming tribunal system' is in place to protect people and was developed over years of bitter experiences of blatantly unfair dismissals.
If you want to strike a balance there are far more urgent issues to address. Have a look at the scandalous differentials between the low paid and the rich.
AND VINCE, PEOPLE DO FEEL INSECURE AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO UNTIL YOU 'STRIKE A BALANCE'!
14/09/2012 09:39
This is only one step in the right direction and it is an excellent step. As a business owner it will allow me to concentrate on developing my internationally successful business, employ more people and my employees who are already well paid will be even better paid.
However, this is only one step. The question which constantly goes through my mind is the following. If an employee does not like the company for whatever reason, they can give one month's notice and leave. Why is it that a company has to justify dismissing a badly performing employee and pay compensation?
The second question which always goes through my mind is why would a company dismiss a good employee?
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