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Part-Time Workers

The Part-Time Workers Directive (Sections 19-21)

In Force - 1 July 2000
The legislation gives the government regulation-making power to implement the EU Directive on Part-Time Work, deriving from the Framework Agreement reached by unions and employers at European level.

The powers enabled the government to ensure that part-time workers are not treated less favourably than persons in full-time employment, including on issues of pay which arguably falls outside the ambit of the directive itself.

The new rights were implemented by the Part-Time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000 which came into force on 1 July 2000.

National Minimum Wage (Sections 22 and 34)

In Force - 25 October 1999
The government has added to the categories of persons excluded from entitlement to the National Minimum Wage. Members of religious or charitable committees (excluding independent schools or further education establishments) will not be entitled to the National Minimum Wage.

Tax and National Insurance contributions information obtained by the Inland Revenue can be used for the enforcement of the National Minimum Wage.

Central Arbitration Committee (Sections 24 and 25)

In Force - 22 February (Section 24) and 6 June 2000 (Section 25)
The CAC has an important role in the new legislation and the Act sets out the new functions, the provisions for nominating members and the way in which proceedings before the CAC will be organised.

Provisions relating to ACAS and the CAC (Sections 26 - 27)

In Force - 25 October 1999
ACAS's general duty is amended to give equal weight to dispute resolution and dispute prevention work. The timetable for ACAS and CAC annual reports is brought into line.

CROTUM and CPAUIA (Section 28)

In Force - 25 October 1999
The Commissioner for the Rights of Trade Union Members and the Commissioner for Protection Against Unlawful Industrial Action are abolished, thereby ending a waste of public money.

Certification Officer (Section 29 and Schedule 6)

In Force - 25 October 1999
The Certification Officer is given new powers and people are prevented from issuing court proceedings in parallel with an application to the Certification Officer. The Certification Officer is given powers to deal with vexatious litigants.

Partnerships at work (Section 30)

In Force - 25 October 1999
The government may make money available for training and other activities to develop partnerships at work.

Employment agencies (Section 31 and Schedule 7)

In Force - Power to make Regulations - 25 October 1999
The Act amends the Employment Agencies Act 1973, particularly in relation to enforcement.