Protesting social partners to attend today's MCESD meeting

Social partners who have disagreed with the government's nomination of John Bencini to chair the MCESD have agreed to attend the council’s first meeting today, but will be voicing their disagreement. Only the GWU and the FORUM group of trade unions welcomed the appointment. Those who disagreed met yesterday and considered boycotting today’s meeting. However, they decided to attend and reiterate their “frustration and reservations.” Their main bone of contention is that Mr Bencini was imposed on them by the Labour government rather than the decision having been made by consensus as it usually was. The objectors include the Chambers of Commerce,MHRA, MEA, CMTU and the UHM. Full story in The Times.