Employment Bill [Lords]

I am sure that trade unions can make constructive comments and talk with management and other third parties about how they think the workplace should be improved environmentally; that does not mean that we should legislate for time off. I received a letter from the PCS in the run-up to today's debate. It saw the role of the workplace environmental rep as"““ensuring that employers meet their carbon reduction targets, raising awareness of green issues in the workplace and ensuring that environmental issues are included in the bargaining agenda””." I am still somewhat confused: what will the reps do that a company should not be doing anyway to bring itself in line with the Climate Change Bill? In these times of economic uncertainty, we must be careful in respect of the fundamental necessities. Continued employment, economic growth, financial stability and so on are all factors that must line up alongside the environment when we strike the balance. We support responsible, environmentally sound business practice, but we also support business efficiency and businesses' freedom of choice on how best to reach their overall environmental targets. That is why we oppose the new clause. I turn to clause 19, which deals with trade unions' right to exclude people because they are members of certain political parties.