HL Deb 08 February 2005 vol 669 cc107-8WA
Lord Wedderburn of Charlton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will encourage the 162 multinational companies based in the United Kingdom which have not established works councils or similar machinery for informing and consulting their employees and trade unions to establish such machinery; and, if necessary, whether they will amend the legal obligations relating to such matters. [HL1070]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Sainsbury of Turville)

The figure the noble Lord is referring to relates to European works councils. It does not mean that there is no other form of employee representation in the companies concerned. Moreover, new legislation implementing the EU directive on Information and Consultation will come into force on 6 April. This will give employees important new rights to be informed and consulted about significant developments in their workplace.