HC Deb 05 December 2002 vol 395 c986W
14. Huw Irranca-Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what employment rights she estimates UK workers will have by 2007 that have changed since 1997. [83615]

Alan Johnson

In our first term, we introduced a foundation of decent minimum standards in the workplace. We are now building on this, so that by 2007, employees will, for example, have been given rights to a minimum wage, four weeks paid holidays and to proper information and consultation. They will also benefit from a range of family friendly policies, such as the right for parents of children under six to request flexible working, parental and paternity leave and improved maternity rights. They will also have access to fair discipline and grievance procedures and may not be discriminated against on grounds of age, disability, religion or sexual orientation, or because they are part-time or fixed term workers.

19. Mr. Neil Turner

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on changes to employment rights between 1997 and 2007. [83621]

Alan Johnson

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given today to my hon. Friend the Member for Ogmore (Huw Irranca-Davies).