Work councils `a must' for 300 UK companies
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.More than 300 British companies will be forced to set up works councils under European law, according to a survey by Coopers & Lybrand, the management consultants.
Coopers reports that the figure of 100 or so companies originally thought to be covered by the legislation may be a considerable under-estimate. Tim Johnson, employment law specialist, advised British businesses to include UK employees in works councils despite the Government's opt-out of European social legislation.
"It makes no sense at all to leave them out. British companies won't achieve anything by doing so," Mr Johnson said. Excluding British workers simply meant that they would get information second-hand.
The European directive applies to all companies with more than 1,000 employees and with more than 150 in at least two European Union countries. The law comes into force in September, after which companies have three years to complete agreements or face the possibility of punitive measures.
Mr Johnson advised companies to set up voluntary systems to consult employees before the legislation came into force.
The study found works councils were cheaper to run than feared and that there were several benefits for management.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments