§ Mr. SayeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will extend the date of implementation for the Working Time Directive to 1 January 1999 to allow employers more time to implement the framework for compliance. [55370]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyThe Regulation implementing the Working Time Directive came into force on 1 October in line with the Government's timetable announced in February.
§ Mr. SayeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to assist employers with the additional costs incurred as a direct result of the Working Time Directive. [55369]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyThe Government are adopting a broad range of policies with the central aim of boosting the competitiveness of UK industry. Implementation of the Working Time Directive should help competitiveness through combating stress and absenteeism by ensuring that workers receive proper rest, and so reducing costs to industry. The CBI estimate that £25 billion was lost in 1996 due to absenteeism. The London School of Economics also suggest that current staff turnover levels cost employers up to £1,800 million per year. The Working Time Regulations should assist in reducing such figures.
§ Mr. SayeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the definition of the term continuous employment under the Working Time Directive. [55340]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyAny worker who has worked continuously with their employer for 13 weeks will be entitled to 3 weeks' annual leave. Continuous employment is considered to be a period of time in which a worker has a contractual relationship with the employer.