HC Deb 17 March 1986 vol 94 cc79-80W
Mr. Silvester

asked the Paymaster General if he will introduce legislation to prevent employers refusing employment to candidates unless they agree to join a union, in cases where such union membership agreement has not been approved; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

I am continually monitoring the effectiveness of the protection we have provided against abuses of the closed shop and keeping under review the need for further legislation.

The law already provides that no one can be dismissed without compensation for not belonging to a trade union in an unapproved closed shop. This protection is available to new recruits from their first day of employent.