Prospect welcomes government consultations on fairer work and union access
Mike Clancy, General Secretary of Prospect union, responding to the launch of the government’s consultations on the implementation of aspects of Make Work Pay, said:
“Changes to the employment rights of pregnant women, new mothers and those who have been bereaved are an essential part of making work fair.
“No one should have to suffer the pain of pregnancy loss without protected time off work to grieve, and no one should suffer employment detriment purely because of having a child. Making these changes work will create a labour market in the UK that is fit for the 21st century.
“It is also welcome that trade unions will be given better access to workplaces. Too many people are denied the full benefit of union membership because of obstructive employers. Employers which have a healthy relationship with their trade union get as much benefit from the arrangement as workers. These changes will level the playing field and facilitate far more people having access to the proven advantages collective bargaining brings.
“It is important that we are now moving to detailed conversations about implementation – this must include more resources for organisations like the CAC and Acas to ensure these changes are meaningful, workable, and lead to improved industrial relations.”