Union leaders have slammed the government's decision to reject calls for new workers' rights.

In the white paper on the Employment Relations Act, minister Alan Johnson rejected calls from unions for a new law demanding firms employing fewer than 21 workers are covered by law on statutory union recognition.

Forum Response: GMB

John Edmonds, general secretary of the GMB, said: "The government has capitulated to the demands of the CBI and left workers vulnerable by not strengthening union recognition rights or protecting workers while they are on a legal strike.

"This government needs to decide if they are the party for British workers and therefore stand up for worker's rights or they are the party for the fat cats and leave British workers susceptible to harassment and mistreatment in the workplace."

Forum Response: Business Services Association

Norman Rose, director general of the BSA, said: "In general, the provisions made in the Act have proved adequate to ensure the smooth running of recognition procedures and to encourage good relations between employers and unions. The majority of the minor changes proposed today should cause no problem to good employers."However, BSA, whose members employ over half a million staff in the UK, goes on to register its concern at the proposals outlined in the review document which will give 'companions' the right to take a full part in grievance and disciplinary procedures."It is likely that these individuals will have no relevant qualifications and no knowledge of the procedures involved, or even of the facts of the case."We believe that it is sufficient that they should be able to advise the union member concerned, without participating in the formal proceedings."We will also be looking with interest at government proposals to address the issues raised by the 'Wilson and Palmer' case. Whatever decisions government reach on this judgement, employers must be free to offer, and employees to accept, individual contracts that may be in their best interests."

Forum Response: Institute of Directors

Ruth Lea, head of policy at the IoD, told ePolitix.com: "We are relieved to see the Department of Trade and Industry feel the central pillars of the Act are working well and that no major changes are proposed."