§ 29. Mr. ClellandTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has to introduce statutory rights for people working less than eight hours a week.
§ Mr. ForthEmployees working fewer than eight hours a week already enjoy important statutory rights, including rights relating to health and safety, sex and race discrimination and trade union membership and non-membership. All union members also have certain statutory protections against misues of union powers.
Additional protection will be given to safety representatives and others in particular circumstances under the Offshore Safety (Protection against Victimisation) Bill, which has just completed its passage through Parliament, and when the EC health and safety framework directive is implemented at the earliest legislative opportunity.