Supporting the Development of More Productive Workplaces?

The government has introduced this Employment Bill with the objective of supporting the development of more productive workplaces in the UK by encouraging participation in the labour market through the retention and development of skills, and by improving the way that disputes are managed both at work and within the employment tribunals system. The provisions introduced in respect of maternity, paternity and adoption pay and leave are intended to encourage greater participation in the labour market and the retention of skills for parents who might otherwise leave the labour market, which will also reduce the cost of recruiting for employers. It is intended that the provisions outlined in this Employment Bill will be implemented in April 2003.