Headline news in today's Independent is devoted to the plans unveiled by the government to force consultation with employees when large-scale redundancies are planned.

The paper says that the Labour Party will introduce the pledge as part of their next election manifesto in order to placate demands from Trades Unions and to ward off the threat of EU legislation which would go further. A new European Directive on workers' rights would force all firms employing 50 or more employees to consult over any plans where employment is likely to be threatened. According to the paper, the government is feeling pressure on several fronts - the TUC backs the directive, which is also likely to be strongly supported by the French, who currently hold presidency of the EU and favour tougher social controls on employers. The government and the TUC are currently grappling in court over the legality of the 15 December cut-off point for parental leave.

The Federation of European Employers is a good source of information around employment rights within Europe. Among the useful features are a report on pay and conditions across Europe and the latest European Court Judgements. The site will also soon be hosting the European Personnel Resource Centre, a pay-for facility which includes material relating to all 15 member states.