Clause 1
Temporary and Agency Workers (Equal Treatment) Bill
10:15 am
Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston, Labour)
To avoid getting drawn into discussing clause 4, I will answer the hon. Lady in a couple of sentences. I have always taken the view that we need a simple system of arbitration that is strong and, possibly, enforceable, outwith tribunal cases. Of course, tribunals must be there as the last resort—people must have their right to a day in court. However, as a means of driving tribunals out of the process, I would prefer that we move toward a strong process of arbitration that can be enforced. Obviously, in collectively bargained workplaces such matters would be dealt with inside the workplace. To avoid masses of tribunals, especially for the small and medium-sized enterprises sector, there needs to be a mechanism. That is why my hon. Friend the Minister recognised that there needed to be a money resolution.
I urge colleagues to support the clause, which is fundamental to the Bill. I accept that my hon. Friend the Minister raised a perfectly fair point. If we moved toward a neat and tidy solution in having a single qualifying period, I could be easily persuaded to support such an amendment if it were tabled on Report.