Partnership talks - Union entry into talks is welcome

THE trade union decision to finally enter talks on a new pay deal is to be welcomed.

Workers will be reassured by news that sufficient progress has been made on the thorny issue of employee rights to allow negotiations aimed at forging a new national agreement to begin next week.

Having received a solemn Government promise on the employment rights agenda, the unions were absolutely right to hold out for a watertight commitment to protect vulnerable workers.