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Proceeding contribution from Baroness Walmsley (Liberal Democrat) in the House of Lords on Thursday, 9 March 2006. It occurred during Debate on bill and Committee proceeding on Work and Families Bill.


Work and Families Bill

I thank the Minister and those who have supported at least the thrust of this amendment. I am also grateful to the Minister for describing the monitoring processes that are in place. Would the Government consider strengthening the powers of the tribunals if evidence emerged that businesses were dragging their feet? I accept that it is better to do this by encouragement, but, as well as an enormous number of very good employers out there, there are a few maverick employers who are really awful. One hears terrible stories of workers who are afraid even to ask for their statutory rights for maternity or paternity leave, for example, for fear that the next time there is some downsizing, they will be the people to go first. Would the Government consider strengthening those powers if it emerged that it was the only way to make certain that businesses fall into line?


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
679 c379GC 
Session
2005-06
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords Grand Committee
Subjects
Children Conditions of employment Adoption Families Foster care Eligibility Health and safety Increases Leave Flexible working Parents Pay Payments Minimum wage Maternity pay Paternity leave Maternity leave Working mothers Antenatal care
Legislation
Work and Families Bill 2005-06
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk