17 Jan 2000
New proposals to ensure part-time employees are treated as fairly as full-time employees will guarantee equality in the workplace, Scottish Secretary John Reid said today, today welcomed new measures to ensure that Scotland’s part-time workers are treated fairly.
Government proposals unveiled today aim to give part-timers the same employment rights as full-timers on issues such as employment conditions including pay, pensions, holidays and career breaks. A wide-ranging consultation on the package of measures has now begun.
DrCommenting on the proposals, Mr Reid said:
"The 520,000 part-time employees in Scotland deserve the right to equality and fairness in the workplace. These proposals aim to ensure that part-timers are guaranteed a minimum standard of fairness on key employment issues such as pay, pensions and holidays. Whilst the vast majority of companies already treat part-time employees as favourably as full-timers, these measures will stamp out the few cases in which bad practice still survives.
"Part-time working is good for employers and employees - it means employees have time for other commitments, such as family responsibilities, and employers benefit from a flexible workforce. Part-timers are now recognised as vital to Scotland’s economic success and the Government is committed to ensuring that the country reaps the full benefits of their part-time work."
NOTES TO NEWS EDITORS
1. The proposed Regulations will implement the Directive on Part-Time Work. The consultation will last until 27 February 2000 with the Directive due to be implemented by 7 April 2000.
2. For full details contact the Department of Trade and Industry Press Office on 020 7215 5966/5972.
3. Copies of the consultation document Part-time Work - Public Consultation are available on the DTI website at http://www.dti.gov.uk/ir/consultz.htm or from DTI Publications Orderline on 0870 1502500 (fax: 0870 1502 333. Email: dtipubs@echristian.co.uk).