News
Employment Law Update (August 2008)
Warwick Conference demands will set the agenda in Employment
Law
The Labour Party's National Policy Forum took place in Warwick
at the end of July. At the Forum, Labour Party activists,
Government ministers and trade union leaders discussed policy
priorities for the future.
Although the Forum does not set Government policy, the outcome
of the discussions is likely to have an impact on future policies
and manifesto commitments, particularly employment policies, up to
the next election and beyond. A previous Warwick agreement between
Labour and the unions resulted in minimum annual holiday
entitlement for workers being increased to 28 days.
Once again, this time round, the outcome of the talks has not
been made public, although it is understood the unions were looking
for further rights, particularly in businesses performing public
sector contracts.
One announcement that was made concerned confirmation that the
"Adult" rate of the National Minimum Wage will be extended to 21
year olds, although when this will happen is not clear. This has
already been recommended by the Low Pay Commission, the independent
body which sets the National Minimum Wage.