New Clause

Part of Orders of the Day — Trade Union Reform and Employment Rights Bill – in the House of Commons at 4:15 pm on 15 June 1993.

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Photo of Peter Bottomley Peter Bottomley , Eltham 4:15, 15 June 1993

I should like to quote some words of an employer. As it may be for an industrial tribunal to judge whether the employer was being reasonable, or whether any reasonable employer could hold this view, I do not want my right hon. Friend to reply to the point. These are the employer's words: We believe that higher pay for those on personal contracts is essential if individuals are to be treated fairly. In other words, people doing the same work should be paid at different rates.

The House ought to consider whether a reasonable employer could hold that view. My understanding is that, according to the Ullswater amendment, whatever else might be demonstrated before an industrial tribunal, it will not be possible in such circumstances to demonstrate that an employer has acted unlawfully, as there is a purpose in addition to the purpose of deterring trade union membership.