Firms take a 'positive' line on works councils

The Construction Confederation said this week that it is approaching the prospect of legislation extending the use of consultative works councils "with a positive mind".A spokesman for the confederation said the employers were looking at the detail of the proposed legislation before issuing a formal response. "But many larger firms already have systems in place and anything that encourages a dialogue has to be welcomed," he said.The government has published draft legislation implementing the EU Works Council Directive which provides rights for workers to be informed and consulted on issues affecting their employment. Firms with more than 150 workers will be required to establish works councils from 2005, while those with more than 50 workers must have one in place by 2008.Consultation is intended principally to cover employment prospects and redundancies.The proposals are backed by the Confederation of British Industry and the Trade Union Council.