Jill Evans MEP will address the European Parliament in Strasbourg tomorrow (Tuesday, 23rd October) in support of moves to strengthen the rights of workers in Wales to be consulted and informed of issues relating to their employment.

Ms Evans is the only MEP from Wales who is a member of the Parliament's Employment Committee, which has been discussing this directive for the past two years. Tomorrow the committee reports back to Parliament stressing that employees must be given a stronger voice in relation to the future of their jobs.

Ms Evans said,

"The information given to workers in relation to their employment must contain all the relevant facts, including details of the company's financial situation and strategic plans. If a decision has an adverse effect on employees, such as large-scale redundancies or the closure of an establishment, the final decision should be postponed so that consultations can continue with a view to avoiding or mitigating these consequences.

"The Labour government has asked for a seven year transition period. This has brought widespread criticism from many quarters including the Scottish Parliament who want it implemented sooner.

"After the terrible scenes witnessed during the Corus debacle last year I am very disappointed at the Labour Government's lack of urgency when it comes to strengthening the rights of workers in Wales."

Jill Evans MEP will be available for interview on this issue tomorrow (Tuesday, 23rd October).

Diwedd/Ends.