New Proposed Legislation to Give Equal Rights to Part-Time Workers - Tom Kitt

Mr. Tom Kitt T.D., Minister for Labour, Affairs, today (Tuesday 5th September 2000) confirmed that work is well advanced on the drafting of the Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Bill, 2000. The Bill is designed to give effect to EU Council Directive 97/81/EC adapted in 1997.

Minister Kitt highlighted the objectives of the Bill which he said "will provide for the removal of discrimination against part-time workers where such exists. It will also improve the quality of part-time work, facilitate the development of part-time work on a voluntary basis as well as contribute to the flexible organisation of working time in a manner which takes into account the needs of employers and workers. The Bill will also guarantee that part-time workers may not be treated less favourably than full-time workers."

The Minister thanked both ICTU and IBEC for their inputs to the process of drafting the Directive at European level and the work of the Group set up by his Department to examine thoroughly the measures necessary for the implementation of the Directive in Ireland.

Minister Kitt anticipates "that the publication of the Bill will facilitate further constructive discussion and debate leading to its smooth and effective passage through the Oireachtas by January 2001".