DE Objectives Published.

This article focuses on the objectives of the British Department of Employment, which appeared in the White Paper Building Business…Not Barriers. The prime aim of the department is to encourage the development of an enterprise economy. The way to reduce unemployment is through more businesses, more self-employment and greater wealth-creation, all leading to more jobs. There are key aspects of the Department's work. First is to promote enterprise and job creation in growth areas such as small firms, self-employment and tourism. Second is help business to grow and jobs multiply by cutting red tape; improving industrial relations by ensuring a fair balance under the law and encouraging employee involvement. Third is to improve training arrangements so that young people get a better preparation for work, and adults obtain the skills they need to compete in the world. Proposals are presented for Employment Law. These are: considering action to deter ill-founded claims of unfair dismissal through the possible introduction of a fee for employees before taking a case to an industrial tribunal; extending from six months to two years the qualifying period after which employers are required to give a detailed statement of reasons for dismissal; and exempting firms with fewer than ten employees from the requirement to allow a woman to return to work within 29 weeks after the birth of a child.