Menu
11/02/2005
TUC warns workers about potential 'love contracts'
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has warned workers that some employers are trying to restrict romantic relationships in the workplace.
In a statement released ahead of Valentine's Day, the TUC said that it feared some UK employers were attempting to copy US businesses, where relationship bans and so-called 'love contracts' are already commonplace.
It has been estimated that a quarter of long-term relationships in the UK begin at work.
The 'love contracts', which have proved popular in the US, are agreements which couples sign, stating that their relationship is consensual and that they understand their employers' sexual harassment policy. The document also lays out the ground rules for a couple's behaviour in the workplace. The TUC say that these documents are designed with the aim of protecting employers from possible sexual harassment law suits.
However, the TUC claim that such measures would be unlikely to work in the UK and point out that UK workers have more legal protection for their privacy and rights to association, such as that covered in the 1998 Human Rights Act.
TUC Deputy General Secretary, Frances O'Grady, said: "It's hardly surprising that relationships do start round the water cooler – after all, we work longer hours than anyone else in Europe. Of course, it is right to be careful and think through all the implications, but heavy-handed rules and blanket bans fail to understand human nature and may very well be illegal."
The TUC has compiled a guide offering advice to employees about relationships at work. It is available from: www.worksmart.org.uk/valentine
(KMcA/SP)
In a statement released ahead of Valentine's Day, the TUC said that it feared some UK employers were attempting to copy US businesses, where relationship bans and so-called 'love contracts' are already commonplace.
It has been estimated that a quarter of long-term relationships in the UK begin at work.
The 'love contracts', which have proved popular in the US, are agreements which couples sign, stating that their relationship is consensual and that they understand their employers' sexual harassment policy. The document also lays out the ground rules for a couple's behaviour in the workplace. The TUC say that these documents are designed with the aim of protecting employers from possible sexual harassment law suits.
However, the TUC claim that such measures would be unlikely to work in the UK and point out that UK workers have more legal protection for their privacy and rights to association, such as that covered in the 1998 Human Rights Act.
TUC Deputy General Secretary, Frances O'Grady, said: "It's hardly surprising that relationships do start round the water cooler – after all, we work longer hours than anyone else in Europe. Of course, it is right to be careful and think through all the implications, but heavy-handed rules and blanket bans fail to understand human nature and may very well be illegal."
The TUC has compiled a guide offering advice to employees about relationships at work. It is available from: www.worksmart.org.uk/valentine
(KMcA/SP)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 July 2006
TUC warns employers to keep workplaces cool
The TUC has warned employers that they may be breaking the law if they fail to protect workers from the effects of extreme heat, as Britain continues to bask in hot temperatures. There is no clear legal maximum workplace temperature under UK law - the minimum is 13C for strenuous work and 16C generally.
TUC warns employers to keep workplaces cool
The TUC has warned employers that they may be breaking the law if they fail to protect workers from the effects of extreme heat, as Britain continues to bask in hot temperatures. There is no clear legal maximum workplace temperature under UK law - the minimum is 13C for strenuous work and 16C generally.
17 February 2005
TUC urges protection for safety whistleblowers
Hundreds of workers are sacked each year for refusing to work in unsafe offices and factories, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has claimed. An article in the spring edition of the health and safety magazine, ‘Hazards’, stated that, since 1999, 1,500 'whistleblowers' had been sacked from their jobs after raising safety concerns with their employers.
TUC urges protection for safety whistleblowers
Hundreds of workers are sacked each year for refusing to work in unsafe offices and factories, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has claimed. An article in the spring edition of the health and safety magazine, ‘Hazards’, stated that, since 1999, 1,500 'whistleblowers' had been sacked from their jobs after raising safety concerns with their employers.
17 June 2002
TUC call for compulsory pensions to end crisis
Britain’s pensions crisis will not end unless employers make compulsory contributions to occupational pensions, and workers join the company scheme as a condition of employment, say the TUC.
TUC call for compulsory pensions to end crisis
Britain’s pensions crisis will not end unless employers make compulsory contributions to occupational pensions, and workers join the company scheme as a condition of employment, say the TUC.
06 January 2005
UK workers put in £23m unpaid overtime: TUC
UK workers' unpaid overtime amounted to £23 million in 2004, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) have claimed. According to the TUC's latest analysis of official statistics, every employee who did unpaid overtime would have earned, on average, £4650 for their work, if they had been paid at their normal rate.
UK workers put in £23m unpaid overtime: TUC
UK workers' unpaid overtime amounted to £23 million in 2004, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) have claimed. According to the TUC's latest analysis of official statistics, every employee who did unpaid overtime would have earned, on average, £4650 for their work, if they had been paid at their normal rate.
24 August 2001
TUC calls for three more bank holidays a year
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called on the British government to review bank holiday entitlement and to give British workers an extra three days every year.
TUC calls for three more bank holidays a year
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called on the British government to review bank holiday entitlement and to give British workers an extra three days every year.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
