Change in jobs rights slated

Published on 18/09/2012 12:00

MOVES by the UK government to “water down” employment rights have been attacked by Livingston Labour MP Graeme Morrice.

Business Secretary Vince Cable wants to lower the cap on the amount of compensation payable to people who are unfairly dismissed and introduce a fast-track resolution procedure to avoid industrial tribunals.

But Mr Morrice said: “We are in a double-dip recession due to the coalition government’s failed economic policies, not because of the legal protections people have at work.

“With continued high unemployment and record numbers of young people out of work, ministers should be making it easier to hire, not easier to fire people.

“But instead of adopting a credible plan for growth, this government is attacking the rights of every employee in this country which will serve to further undermine consumer confidence and inflict more damage on the economy.”