Motorola, Corus, Ford... French point the way on jobs

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 25th Apr 2001

Lib Dem Euro-MP Diana Wallis has called on government ministers to support a European Union Directive binding large companies like Motorola to consult their employees before making job cuts.

"It is ironic that the announcement of job losses at Motorola in Scotland were met with the sight of Mr Blair going cap in hand to plead with the company to resist the cuts, a plea which they've obviously ignored," said Diana Wallis MEP.

"Meanwhile in France workers at Marks & Spencer take to the streets backed by a legal case which has caused the company to abandon store closures.

"The difference is that workers in France have a tradition of positive action when it comes to safeguarding jobs, habitually backed up by law.

"Needless to say the UK is dragging its heels over signing a European Directive which would force companies with over 50 employees to consult the workforce before making decisions on redundancies and plant closures. France by contrast supports this directive.

"In the UK we have the unedifying spectacle of hapless Labour ministers scuttling about pleading with companies such as Motorola, Corus and Ford in a vain attempt to bring some sort moral pressure to bear. UK workers should demand that the UK signs up to the Directive on information and consultation of workers right away."