HC Deb 22 June 1994 vol 245 c221W
Sir Teddy Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what estimate he has made of the cost of the compensation which could be secured in consequence of the various proceedings initiated by the EC Commission in consequence of the acquired rights directive; and if he will investigate the possibility of reducing public expenditure by establishing a programme for settling claims.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

The Government do not believe that any significant claims for compensation resulting from those proceedings will be substantiated.

Sir Teddy Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the consequences in terms of policy of the various actions initiated by the EC Commission against the United Kingdom on the application of the acquired rights directive; and what steps he will take to advise persons who might be entitled to compensation.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

All but one of the issues raised by the Commission have already been dealt with by amendments to the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 in the Trade Union Reform and Employment Rights Act 1993. The only outstanding issue concerns arrangements for consultation about proposed transfers. The Government are still considering the judgment on that point.

Sir Teddy Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what liability is accepted by the Government for the costs already paid out by private employers in consequence of the legislation stemming from the acquired rights directive in light of the terms of the court decisions in the EC.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

Courts and tribunals take account of relevant decisions by the European Court of Justice in interpreting national implementing legislation. It is for individual employees and employers to take their own legal advice on the effect of national or European law.