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There will be no wholesale changes to the practical application of the Employment Relations Act, the Government announced today, despite a long wish list from unions.
Employment Relations Minister, Alan Johnson, said the Act's recognition procedure has operated smoothly and successfully, so major changes are not necessary.
Johnson was launching a consultation document which sets out the how the Employment Relations Act 1999 should be amended.
The Engineering Employers' Federation (EEF) said it has mixed feelings over announcement.
David Yeandle, EEF deputy director of employment policy, said: "This lengthy and detailed consultation document is something of a curate's egg, as it helpfully rejects some of the more worrying changes to the Act that had been put forward although there are, equally, some aspects with which we are disappointed. The Government must ensure any amendments that are subsequently made to the Act improve its operation in a practical way and avoid changes that could damage the industrial relations climate."
The GMB union said it was angry no major changes were included.
John Edmonds, general secretary of the GMB said: "The Government has capitulated to the demands of the CBI and left workers vulnerable by not strengthening union recognition rights or protecting workers while they are on a legal strike.
"This Government needs to decide if they are the party for British workers and therefore stand up for worker's rights, or they are the party for the fat cats - and leave British workers susceptible to harassment and mistreatment in the workplace."
