§ Mr. Greenwayasked the Secretary of State for Employment what information he has as to how many companies have now held or are due to hold ballots relating to a closed shop situation as a result of recent legislation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyPress reports indicate that so far some 80 closed shop ballots have been held, mostly covering very small groups of employees. This means that the great majority of the 4 million or so employees covered by closed shops are now free to decide for themselves whether they wish to remain union members. I welcome this restoration of freedom of choice. In addition a number of major employers have ended their closed shops or given a commitment that no-one will be dismissed for non-union membership. Of course, the Employment Act 1982 539W imposes no specific obligation on employers to hold secret ballots on the continuation of closed shop agreements. If no ballot is held, the effect is exactly the same as if a ballot is held and the required majority is not achieved, and dismissal for non-membership of a trade union if automatically unfair.