NEWS RELEASE
Tuesday, 17 May 2005 For immediate release
STUC welcomes key aspects of the Queens Speech as a vindication of trade union campaigns.
The STUC welcomed key aspects of the Queens speech as a vindication of the campaigns the trade union movement have been pursuing with the Government. In particular:- · The proposed legislation to extend maternity and paternity benefits and improve childcare will improve family life and workplace productivity in particular through enhanced retention of women workers. · The establishment of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights is welcomed and the STUC hope that the Government will deliver on its manifesto commitment to introduce a Single Equality Body. · The STUC welcomes the inclusion of Corporate Killing legislation which will give added impetus to the process of establishing a similar offence in Scots law. · The emphasis placed by David Blunkett on providing positive pathways to work for those on incapacity benefits is welcomed and the STUC urges the government to continue to resist the temptation to push people towards work for which they are unsuited and concentrate on making the workplace a more suitable place for those with disabilities or temporary incapacity.
STUC Deputy General Secretary Grahame Smith said "We are pleased that the Government has taken on board several legislative objectives of trade unions and we hope that the eventual changes will benefit working people throughout Scotland."
ENDS For further comment please contact Dave Moxham or Kevin Buchanan