HC Deb 11 February 2004 vol 417 c1480W
Shona McIsaac

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures have been introduced since 1997 to improve employment rights for part-time workers. [153603]

Mr. Sutcliffe

The Part-time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000 introduced new rights for part-time workers ensuring that part-timers are not treated less favourably than comparable full-timers in their terms and conditions, unless it is objectively justified.

The measures reinforce the Government's policy of putting in place decent minimum standards whilst promoting a flexible and competitive workforce.