Consultation delay could hit staff

The Government’s failure to consult adequately on new legislation is likely
to end up disadvantaging the groups it claims to be protecting.

In the latest issue of Personnel Today’s sister title Employers’ Law, HR
professionals claim ministers’ attitude could lead to legislation being
implemented at a minimum level and in a spirit of cynicism. The comments add
extra weight to Personnel Today’s campaign for better consultation.

Mike Emmott, employee relations adviser at the Institute for Personnel and
Development, said, "The risk is that if Government gives the impression it
is only concerned with the politics and not with how employers implement new
laws, employers will become cynical about them. This will not help the
employees."

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Helen Froud, director of corporate services at Worcestershire County
Council, said, "How were we supposed to help staff take the new parental
leave when the regulations were only published two weeks before
implementation?"

And Susan Richmond, HR manager of WH Smith Retail, said the lack of
consultation resulted in many employers only being able to implement at a
minimum level given the time constraints.