§ Mr. DafisTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to extend the legal safeguards against unfair discrimination by employers in respect of part-time employees. [2086]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyPart-time workers have equal statutory rights with full-time workers and their rights have been clarified in recent court judgments, which we welcome. At present the Government have no plans to introduce further legislation on part-time work.
The social partners at European reached an agreement on part-time work on 6 June 1997. The Commission may consequently decide to consult member states on a measure to implement this agreement. They have asked the Commission to propose that this agreement be implemented by the Council. The Government will consider any proposal, when it is submitted to Council, against the Government's criteria of promoting employability and competitiveness.