Labour and pensions: Commission presents draft Directive on pensions for companies with at least 50 employees.

United Kingdom

On November 11 1998 the Commission presented the draft Directive establishing a framework for informing and consulting employees. The proposal is targeted at companies with at least 50 employees. The proposal includes steps to:

  • grant a right to information/consultation at all times on the company’s development and on decisions likely to lead to significant changes;
  • improve dialogue so that risks may be anticipated more effectively;
  • ensure that procedures are effective by penalising employers who seriously breach their obligations.

It is hoped that such measures will remedy the shortcomings in national and Community law regarding informing and consulting employees on key decisions and changes.

If the Council of Ministers adopt the draft Directive Member States will have two years in which to implement it in their national law.