Part-time Workers (Hansard, 7 November 1989)

§ Mrs. Dunwoody
To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will introduce legislation which establishes a minimum wage for part-time employees.

§ Mr. Nicholls
No. A national minimum wage would raise employers' costs and destroy jobs.

§ Mrs. Dunwoody
To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will introduce legislation which guarantees equal opportunities for part-time workers in the areas of training and promotion.

§ Mr. Nicholls
No. These are matters which are best determined by employers and their employees taking into account local conditions and the needs of both the work force and the business. Government legislation on these issues is neither necessary nor appropriate.

§ Mrs. Dunwoody
To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will introduce legislation which guarantees equal rights for part-time workers, including pay, maternity leave, a sick pay scheme and a revised pension plan.

§ Mr. Nicholls
No. Pay and conditions are matters to be negotiated between employers and employees to suit their individual circumstances. The 1.4 million growth in part-time employment in Great Britain since 1983 shows its popularity with employers and employees alike.