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CBI responds to Deputy Prime Minister’s comments on protected conversations

Listen to CBI 's Neil Carberry on BBC Radio 4 (at 45:55)

The CBI today responded to the Deputy Prime Minister's comments on "protected conversations" in his speech to small businesses in east London.

Neil Carberry, CBI Director for Employment, said:

"Employment laws should set a necessary minimum standard in the workplace, but they can get in the way of open and frank communication between employees and employers.

"The CBI has called for protected conversations in the wake of the default retirement age being removed in April. These would provide a safe mechanism which builds confidence in management and helps businesses make better decisions.

"I'm delighted the Government is looking at protected conversations. In countries like France, these enable employers to discuss issues openly with staff without fear of a tribunal."

Note to Editors:

The CBI is the UK's leading business organisation, speaking for some 240,000 businesses that together employ around a third of the private sector workforce. With offices across the UK as well as representation in Brussels, Washington, Beijing and Delhi, the CBI communicates the British business voice around the world.

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