Employment Relations Bill — Small employers' exemption — 30 Mar 1999

As amended in the Standing Committee, considered.

Brought up, and read the First time.

I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.

Madam Speaker:

With this, it will be convenient to discuss Government amendments Nos. 166 and 65.

Question put and agreed to .

Clause read a Second time, and added to the Bill .

(a) at least 51 workers on the day in respect of which the employee claims the right, or

(b) an average of at least 51 workers in the 13 weeks ending with that day, to be determined in accordance with the methodology established under paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 1 to this Act.

(2) The lower of the two figures in subsection 1(a) or 1(b) shall be known as the qualifying limit.

(3) The Secretary of State may make an Order modifying the qualifying limit for workers, or applying, varying or disapplying any rights conferred under this Act for workers employed in numbers below the qualifying limit, but no such order may be made unless a draft of it has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.

(4) An Order under subsection 3 may make provision for the continuation of employment rights mentioned in subsection (1) and already enjoyed by an individual worker or workers at the time of the passing of this Act.'.-- [Mr. Redwood.]

Brought up, and read the First time.

I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.

Mr. Deputy Speaker:

With this, it will be convenient to discuss the following: New clause 2-- Microbusiness exemption --

Question put , That the clause be read a Second time:--

The House divided: Ayes 131, Noes 348.

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