Written question asked by Anthony D Wright (Labour) on Monday, 19 November 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 22 November 2007. It was answered by Pat McFadden (Labour) on Thursday, 22 November 2007 on behalf of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.

Employment Rights

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, what steps his Department has taken to promote employment rights among low paid workers; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: People at work in Britain, particularly low paid workers, have benefited from the right to a minimum wage, paid holidays, rest breaks, time off for family emergencies, a cap on the working week and measures to support working parents; trade unions have the right to recognition by the employer where a majority of the workforce want it; part-time workers have the same rights as their full-time colleagues. The Government have introduced workplace protection against discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, religion or belief and age; employees in larger organisations have rights to be informed and consulted about developments in the workplace.

Secondary information