New clause 7 - Dismissal after end of protected period
Employment Relations Bill
9:45 am
Mr Jonathan Djanogly (Huntingdon, Conservative)
Briefly, Friction Dynamics may have been the reason for the introduction of the new clause, but I do not agree with the Minister that that is a reason for it to be included in the Bill, because it will affect other companies and other situations.
I hear what the Minister says about the provision of the letter, but I remind him that, even as it is, that letter does not contain any explanatory notes. I do not believe that any explanatory notes on the new clause have been provided, so there is a need for further review. Generally, I agree that mediation is the preferred option when sorting out industrial and many other disputes. However, the basis of mediation is the consent of the parties involved. Mediation without consent and a willingness to see it through will always fail. The problem with the new clause is that it forces parties into a situation that works best when there is consent.
Question put and agreed to.
Clause read a Second time, and added to the Bill.