§ Mr. RiddickTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what proposals her Department has to introduce regulations which would penalise employers for failing to consult with trade unions prior to announcing redundancies.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythSuch penalties already exist. Any recognised trade union which considers that the statutory consultation requirements contained in chapter II of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 have been breached may complain to an industrial tribunal. The tribunal may make a protective award to the employees affected. The Trade Union Reform and Employment Rights Bill contains a provision that such awards may no longer be offset against wages paid to the employees.