This approach is particularly important for small and medium sized employers. So I hope there will be bids for money to support projects which develop partnership as a means to implement family friendly working or other culture changes in the workplace. I look forward to receiving your imaginative and creative ideas when we put out our call for proposals once the Employment Relations Bill has received Royal Assent. I want to re-emphasise in conclusion, my commitment to the creation of a fair workplace and a new climate of partnership in this country. In a changing world of work, I believe that we all need to reassess.
Business needs to identify how best to get value from their employees.
Unions need to ensure that they can make a continuing and positive contribution to the prosperity of their members and the businesses in which they work. Some regulation will always be necessary, but increasingly it is clear that regulation is not the answer. We need a new strategy, focused on driving home a fundamental culture change in the workplace. Partnership is a crucial element of this new programme. We are look forward to working closely with business and unions to develop the spirit of partnership over the months and years ahead.