ACAS Code of Practice on Time Off for Trade Union Duties and Activities

We support these regulations. The noble Lord, Lord De Mauley, raises issues that I thought had long been resolved. It has long been accepted that engaging in trade union activities is an appropriate use of an employee’s time. That is perfectly legitimate, and it is appropriate for an employer to allow an employee to have the time off for that. That principle is long established, and it certainly would not be fit to re-open it. I make one point on the documentation in front of us. The Minister tried to indicate the significant changes from the previous code, but in future, when we have a detailed code of practice, it might be helpful if the Explanatory Memorandum indicated exactly what material changes the Minister and his department think are being made. Otherwise, those of us reading it can find it quite difficult to follow the implications. Basically, I support the regulations.