News

The UK national trade union congress, the TUC, has responded to the UK Opposition Business Minister Jonathan Djanogly MP's comments that implementation of the TAW directive would destroy thousands of jobs. He said: 'We opposed these proposals in Brussels for six years and were amazed that the Government gave in to union demands to bring them in.

'This law will cost the economy £40billion over six years according to the Government’s own figures. It is hugely complex and will undoubtedly destroy thousands of jobs during a recessionary period. It is madness."

The Conservative Party have made a commitment to delay the TAW directive as long as possible.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:



"This is a disappointing move. At a time of recession vulnerable workers are even more likely to be exploited by unscrupulous employers. Agency workers are particularly prone to abuse as they have so few rights."



See full press release below:



http://www.tuc.org.uk/law/tuc-17054-f0.cfm



Barber's comments come during the Conservative Party conference, in which the Tories have announced plans to introduce massive cuts in welfare benefits, pay freezes for public sector workers earning over 18 thousand a year, contracting out the whole of welfare provision to the private sector and cutting back on funds to help the unemployed back into work. UK unions are very concerned with these proposals given the Conservative party current lead in the opinion polls. UK elections are due to take place next May.



For a full analysis of the Conservative Party proposals see:



http://www.touchstoneblog.org.uk/2009/10/new-conservative-welfare-plans-an-analysis/