HC Deb 29 November 1965 vol 721 cc1000-1
53. Mr. Lubbock

asked the Minister of Labour if he will introduce legislation to ensure that redundancy terms and length of notice are subject to consultation with the trade unions before public announcements of closures are made by employers.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Ernest Thornton)

My Department does a great deal to encourage wider consultation on these matters, but my right hon. Friend has no present plans for legislation.

Mr. Lubbock

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that some employers seem to be jumping the gun on the Redundancy Payments Act and that they have taken steps to dismiss employees before the provisions of the Act come into force? What measures has the hon. Gentleman in mind to persuade employers to recognise the moral issues and before the Act comes into force to pay the terms which will be paid when it is in operation?

Mr. Thornton

I think there can be no doubt that some employers have jumped the gun in this matter, but I think it only fair to point out that a number of employers since the Royal Assent was given on 5th August have paid roughly in accordance with the terms of the Act. Those employers are to be warmly commended. Employers who have brought forward the dates of redundancy in order to avoid payment deserve the strictures of this House.