RCN comments on proposed changes to employment law

Published: 23 November 2011

For immediate release: Wednesday 23rd November 2011

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to comments by Business Secretary Rt Hon Vince Cable outlining proposed changes to employment law.

Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the RCN said:

“It is vitally important that all employees, whether they work in the public or the private and Independent sectors, have employment rights which support fair treatment. Restricting those rights would be short sighted, both in terms of recruiting the right staff and in getting the best performance from them. The current system supports good management and allows staff to challenge discrimination and poor practice, without making staff operate in a climate of fear. Employment tribunals are a last resort, but if employment rights are reduced and if access to Employment tribunals is restricted, we could see a growing number of unfair employment decisions and an erosion in the rights of staff.”

Ends

Notes for Editors

For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 02076473633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/ newsevents/media

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations