HC Deb 24 July 1968 vol 769 cc144-5W
Mr. R. W. Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity, in view of the action of the management of Convertus Upholstery, Rayleigh, Essex, in locking-out a number of employees for joining the National Union of Furniture Trade Operatives, if she will make a statement on the action taken by her Department to mediate in the dispute.

Mr. Hattersley

A dispute between Convertus Upholstery, Rayleigh, Essex, and the N.U.F.T.O. was reported to my Department on 27th June. Following discussions with my Department the two sides are understood to have reached an agreement which provides for recognition of the union and a full resumption of work.

Mr. R. W. Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what action she plans to take regarding the employers of Convertus Upholstery, Rayleigh, Essex, for failing to provide contracts of employment in accordance with the requirements of the Contracts of Employment Act, 1963.

Mr. Harold Walker

My right hon. Friend has no powers of enforcement under the Contracts of Employment Act, 1963 but my Department is in touch with the company and is trying to assist in this matter. Where an employer has failed to provide written particulars of the terms of employment within thirteen weeks of commencement of employment, however, the employee may require the matter to be referred to an Industrial Tribunal.