Employment Matters -

The Employment Manifestos

The three main parties have presented their proposals to be implemented if 6 May 2010 turns out to be their day. Their plans for employment undoubtedly vary, but also contain some similarities – it’s fair to say maternity/paternity leave will become more flexible to some degree no matter who takes up residence in No 10, but what is on the cards for immigration, retirement and pensions?

Labour – “A future fair for all”

1. National Minimum Wage
The National Minimum Wage will rise, at least in line with average earnings, with a new £40 a week “Better off in Work” guarantee.

2. Unemployment
Guaranteed employment or training will be provided for those out of work for six months or more through the Future Jobs Fund with mandatory participation after ten months.

3. New Skills Accounts
Every worker will be able to make choices that drive improvement and quality, and the accounts will help learners know what training they are entitled to, the career benefits of training, and the level of funding available to them.

4. Maternity/Paternity Leave

a. The introduction of more flexibility to the nine months’ paid leave will mean that mothers can share this entitlement with fathers after a minimum of six months.

b. Paternity Leave will also be extended to four weeks, giving a “Father’s Month”. This will be flexible so that it can be taken over the first year of the baby’s life, including flexibility to share the extra two weeks between the parents.

5. Retirement
a. Default retirement at 65 will end with older workers being given the right to request flexible working.

b. Working Tax Credits will be available to those aged 60 and other who work at least 16 hours a week, rather than the current 30 hours a week.

6.Immigration
The criteria for the points-based system will be tightened in line with the needs of the economy and there will be no unskilled migration from outside the EU.

7. Pensions
The link between the basic state pension and earnings, severed in 1980, will be restored with effect from 2012 with help for ten million people to build up savings through new Personal Pension Accounts.