A fair deal for all

A fair deal for all

The States yesterday unanimously approved the Employment Law which will give employees protection from unfair dismissal, introduce a minimum wage and set minimum periods of notice and rates for redundancy.The law was proposed by the Employment and Social Security Committee, whose president, Senator Paul Routier , this morning described yesterday as ‘one of the most auspicious’ in recent States history.’I think the States and the Island can take pride in what was achieved yesterday.

We have taken an enormous step forward in ensuring equity and fairness in the workplace,’ he said.But while the principle of the law was approved unanimously, some Members remain concerned about some of the provisions, claiming that they do not go far enough in protecting staff from unscrupulous bosses.Senator Ted Vibert had lodged a number of amendments, but he was prevented from having them debated after Deputy Patrick Ryan exercised his Member’s right to lodge amendments which are tabled late.

They will be debated at a future sitting.Senator Vibert attacked as ‘morally repugnant’ the committee’s proposals on unfair dismissal, as they only come into force six months after the start of employment.

He wants the protection to start from day one.

He claimed that firms would abuse the law by sacking people before their staff were eligible for protection.But Senator Routier said that Senator Vibert’s proposals were unworkable and pointed out that in the UK and Guernsey workers had to wait one and two years respectively before being protected.

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