§ Lord Irving of Dartfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
If they will make a statement on the steps to be taken to extend stronger pressure on companies to take positive action to improve the flow of information to employees about the formulation and development of management policy.
The Minister of State, Privy Council Office, and Minister for the Arts (The Earl of Gowrie)The Government take all suitable opportunities of encouraging employers to inform and consult employees about matters which affect them, and to develop appropriate procedures. However, we believe that employee involvement requires an atmosphere of mutual trust and co-operation if it is to flourish, and therefore that it is best achieved voluntarily. The inclusion of statements on employee involvement in Company Annual Reports, as required under Section 1 of the 1982 Employment Act. should provide a further stimulus to companies to take positive action in this area, and Ministers will be monitoring all company annual reports to see how employee involvement is being pursued.