Found: and Trade, and Minister for Women and Equalities, regarding Clauses 19, 20 and 21 of the Employment Rights Bill

Found: EVIDENCE SUBMITTED BY DEPARTMENT FOR ENERGY SECUIRTY AND NET ZERO (FLS0062) 4 Make Work Pay: Employment Rights Bill

Found: Timeframe: The Employment Rights Bill (which will create the FWA in law) is expected to be passed in

Found: regulatory costs and an estimated £300-800m of extra costs from the implementation of the Employment Rights Bill

Found: The Employment Rights Bill potentially serves to implement further protections against forced labour

Found: introduced the Seafarers Wages Act and those improvements are coming through, as well as the Employment Rights Bill

Found: timing of Bidfood’s action is especially troubling, as it coincides with the progress of the Employment Rights Bill

Found: Clause 18 of the Employment Rights Bill should explicitly include Islamophobic abuse within the scope

Found: —about the new Employment Rights Bill.

Found: Whilst we welcome the introduction of the Employment Rights Bill, we are disappointed that it is silent

Found: Correspondence from the Committee to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade regarding Employment Rights Bill

Found: Horizon scandal redress: Unfinished business: Government response HC 778 3rd Make Work Pay: Employment Rights Bill

Found: the Government plan to estimate and meet social care costs arising from provisions in the Employment Rights Bill

Found: practices (will incorporate the Gangmasters & Labour Abuse Authority and other bodies) Employment Rights Bill

Found: It is also why we introduced the Employment Rights Bill, to ensure that security and dignity always

Found: Dr Tidball: Ironically, it was in the Employment Rights Bill debate.

Found: Dr Tidball: Ironically, it was in the Employment Rights Bill debate.

Found: Our overall view is that given the many provisions that are coming through in the Employment Rights Bill

Found: catastrophic, particularly given that recruits go live after seven or eight weeks, coupled with the Employment Rights Bill

Found: should-be-made-a-legal-right-in-the-post-pandemic-world/ In 2025: https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasroulet/2024/10/05/labours-employment-rights-bill-and-the

Found: entered the House, so I am not quite sure what the distinction is if you compare that with the Employment Rights Bill

Found: I am pleased to see what the Government are doing with the Employment Rights Bill, but there is always

Found: Conservative Government took us to the right to request flexibility from day one, and the Employment Rights Bill

Found: Alice Arkwright: We welcome the changes suggested through the Employment Rights Bill in connection with

Found: Q34 Lord Hampton: Going back slightly, on current affairs, we have the new Employment Rights Bill going

Found: Streamlining regulations and reducing unnecessary bureaucracy (e.g. eliminating the GDPR and the Employment Rights Bill

Found: Q68 Rosie Duffield: What impact will the Employment Rights Bill have on the union’s ability to negotiate

Found: employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs), and anticipated reforms under the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill

Found: Session 2024–25 Number Title Reference 3rd Make Work Pay: Employment Rights Bill HC 370 2nd Priorities

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure that umbrella companies in the temporary labour market comply with tax legislation on (a) the proper (i) deduction and (ii) reporting of (A) income tax and (B) National Insurance contributions for temporary workers and (b) other matters.

Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is committed to closing the tax gap and making the tax system fairer by ensuring temporary workers are protected from large, unexpected tax bills caused by unscrupulous behaviour from non-compliant umbrella companies. That is why the Chancellor announced in her Autumn Budget that the Government will introduce legislation to make recruitment agencies using umbrella companies legally responsible for accounting for Pay As You Earn on workers’ pay.

The Government set out the expected Exchequer impacts of this measure at the Budget. The Government will publish a full Tax Impact and Information Note later this year.

HMRC recently launched a comprehensive guidance tool, ‘work out pay from an umbrella company’, that agencies and umbrella company workers can use to better understand umbrella company pay and ensure tax compliance. The tool automatically flags discrepancies between submitted payslip information and calculated estimates that could indicate hidden deductions or tax avoidance.

Earlier this month, HMRC published guidance with examples of how umbrella companies can demonstrate good practice. This guidance aims to raise standards across the umbrella company sector, creating a fairer market and helping workers and businesses understand what good practice looks like. This guidance can be found online at www.gov.uk/guidance/examples-of-good-practice-for-umbrella-companies-in-the-temporary-labour-market.

The measures in the Employment Rights Bill will bring the activities of umbrella companies in scope for future regulation to ensure individuals working through them can access the rights they are legally entitled to and can receive greater transparency in the terms of their employment.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department plans to take steps to help (a) improve transparency within the umbrella company sector and (b) ensure workers are not subject to (i) excessive fees and (ii) improper tax arrangements.

Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is committed to closing the tax gap and making the tax system fairer by ensuring temporary workers are protected from large, unexpected tax bills caused by unscrupulous behaviour from non-compliant umbrella companies. That is why the Chancellor announced in her Autumn Budget that the Government will introduce legislation to make recruitment agencies using umbrella companies legally responsible for accounting for Pay As You Earn on workers’ pay.

The Government set out the expected Exchequer impacts of this measure at the Budget. The Government will publish a full Tax Impact and Information Note later this year.

HMRC recently launched a comprehensive guidance tool, ‘work out pay from an umbrella company’, that agencies and umbrella company workers can use to better understand umbrella company pay and ensure tax compliance. The tool automatically flags discrepancies between submitted payslip information and calculated estimates that could indicate hidden deductions or tax avoidance.

Earlier this month, HMRC published guidance with examples of how umbrella companies can demonstrate good practice. This guidance aims to raise standards across the umbrella company sector, creating a fairer market and helping workers and businesses understand what good practice looks like. This guidance can be found online at www.gov.uk/guidance/examples-of-good-practice-for-umbrella-companies-in-the-temporary-labour-market.

The measures in the Employment Rights Bill will bring the activities of umbrella companies in scope for future regulation to ensure individuals working through them can access the rights they are legally entitled to and can receive greater transparency in the terms of their employment.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of her Department’s estimate that the lost output due to working age carers caring for working age sick is £37 billion.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

This Government recognises and values the vital contribution made by carers every day in providing significant care and continuity of support to sick and disabled family and friends. Without the support they provide there would be more pressure on formal social care services, whether provided by local authorities or through other routes.

The Casey Commission, announced recently by this government, will start a national conversation about what care and support working age adults, older people, and their families should expect from adult social care, including exploring the needs of unpaid carers. Furthermore, the Government’s plans to reform and modernise the NHS will see reduced waiting times and improved care, helping people to remain in work and economically active. And the Government is reviewing the implementation of the Carer’s Leave Act, which gave employed carers a right to time off work for the first time. We will also explore the benefits of paid leave, while being mindful of the impact of any changes on small employers. Through the Employment Rights Bill, we will make sure that flexible working – which can play such an important role in helping carers balance their work and caring responsibilities - is available to all workers except where it is genuinely not feasible.

With respect to support from DWP, unpaid carers on low incomes can receive support through Universal Credit. This can respond flexibly to variations in earnings and caring responsibilities and includes a carer element worth £2,400 a year for those providing unpaid care of 35 hours a week or more. Full-time carers are also exempt from requirements to seek or prepare for paid work, although they can request employment support if they wish to do so. For those providing unpaid care of less than 35 hours a week, Universal Credit seeks to balance paid work and unpaid care by tailoring the number of hours people are expected to work or search for work to take account of their caring responsibilities. Part-time unpaid carers receive personalised employment support through their Jobcentre Plus work coach. This can include access to skills provision, referral to an employment support programme such as Restart, careers advice, job search support, volunteering opportunities, and access to the Flexible Support Fund to aid job entry.

For those in England and Wales who are providing care of 35 hours or more a week to a disabled or elderly person with care needs, Carer’s Allowance is available. This is subject to a weekly earnings limit, which since 7 April 2025 has been linked to 16 hours work at National Living Wage (NLW) levels. This government has increased the threshold by the biggest amount ever, meaning it is currently £196 a week of net earnings (after allowable costs, including costs related to care), compared to £151 in 2024/25. The increase means that over 60,000 additional people will be able to receive Carer’s Allowance between 2025/26 and 2029/30. This is the largest ever increase in the earnings limit since Carer’s Allowance was introduced in 1976 and is the highest percentage increase since 2001.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill on business confidence and growth.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Department for Business and Trade has published a set of Impact Assessments that provide a comprehensive analysis on the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill. This analysis includes con-sideration of impacts on businesses and economic growth and concludes the package could have “a positive but small direct impact on economic growth” and will “help to raise living standards across the country and create opportunities for all.”

This represents the best estimate for the likely impacts given the current stage of policy development. We plan to refine our analysis as policy development continues, working closely with external experts, businesses and trade unions.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill on economic growth.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Secretary of State, responsible Ministers and policy officials meet regularly with their counterparts in HM Treasury. This includes on discussions related to delivering the biggest upgrade to workers' rights in a generation through the Employment Rights Bill. Our analysis shows the package could have “a positive but small direct impact on economic growth” and will “help to raise living standards across the country and create opportunities for all.”

This represents the best estimate for the likely impacts given the current stage of policy development. We plan to refine our analysis as policy development continues, working closely with external experts, businesses and trade unions.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the implementation of the Employment Rights Bill on the success of the UK manufacturing sector.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

On Monday 21 October, the Government published 24 Impact Assessments, providing a comprehensive analysis on the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill. This analysis includes an assessment of impacts on sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing and construction. Our Impact Assessments provide initial analysis of the impacts that could follow, and we will continue to refine that as policy development progresses. Final impacts will depend on further policy decisions that are for secondary legislation. We have committed to full consultation on the implementation of this legislation, and expect this to begin this year, ensuring reforms work for employers and workers alike.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the implementation of the Employment Rights Bill on the success of the UK construction sector.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

On Monday 21 October, the Government published 24 Impact Assessments, providing a comprehensive analysis on the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill. This analysis includes an assessment of impacts on sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing and construction. Our Impact Assessments provide initial analysis of the impacts that could follow, and we will continue to refine that as policy development progresses. Final impacts will depend on further policy decisions that are for secondary legislation. We have committed to full consultation on the implementation of this legislation, and expect this to begin this year, ensuring reforms work for employers and workers alike.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the implementation of the Employment Rights Bill on the success of British farming.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

On Monday 21 October, the Government published 24 Impact Assessments, providing a comprehensive analysis on the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill. This analysis includes an assessment of impacts on sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing and construction. Our Impact Assessments provide initial analysis of the impacts that could follow, and we will continue to refine that as policy development progresses. Final impacts will depend on further policy decisions that are for secondary legislation. We have committed to full consultation on the implementation of this legislation, and expect this to begin this year, ensuring reforms work for employers and workers alike.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential impact on apprenticeship numbers of the measures included in the Employment Rights Bill, including the proposed extension of protections against unfair dismissal to day one of employment.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

In October, Government published 24 Impact Assessments representing a comprehensive package of analysis on the impact of the Employment Rights Bill. This analysis shows that the Bill is expected to benefit younger workers, typically disproportionately represented in low paid, low quality, insecure jobs.

The Employment Rights Bill will make basic protection against unfair dismissal a day one right for all employees. The new statutory probation period will provide lighter-touch standards for employers to dismiss an employee who is not suitable. These standards will also apply to apprenticeships and training contracts, requiring adequate evidence to justify dismissal on conduct or capability.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to help protect workers on sponsored visas from mistreatment by unscrupulous employers.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Government is committed to tackling serious labour abuse and exploitation. Workers on sponsored visas have the same protections and rights under employment law as British and settled workers. All employers are expected to comply with UK employment law.

The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate and HM Revenue and Custom’s National Minimum Wage enforcement team work together to ensure that workers are aware of their rights. If anyone thinks they are not getting their employment rights, they should contact Acas on 0300 123 1100 for advice on next steps.

Through the Employment Rights Bill and the Fair Work Agency we are delivering a much-needed upgrade to employment rights enforcement, including for workers on sponsored visas.

Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps she is taking to protect the rights of older women.

Answered by Nia Griffith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Wales Office)

The Equality Act 2010 contains strong protections for older women in a variety of settings, including work and the provision of services. The Act prohibits discrimination because of age and harassment related to age. In addition, the Employment Rights Bill will introduce robust measures to further safeguard working women, including gender and menopause action plans.

The Government recognises the challenges some older women can face and is committed to ensuring that support systems are in place These include improving older people’s participation online through the new Digital Inclusion Action plan, employment support through Jobcentres, and addressing healthcare inequality in the 10 Year Health Plan, to ensure the NHS is there for anyone who needs it, whenever they need it.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 10 April 2025 to Question 44224 on Employment Rights Bill: Local Government Services, if he will consult each (a) local authority and (b)town and parish council.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

We will continue to undertake comprehensive engagement and consultation on the implementation of the Plan to Make Work Pay and the Employment Rights Bill, and we will be engaging closely with employers, including local authorities as the policy develops. We will consult extensively on the implementation of the legislation, to ensure it works for workers and employers alike.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether the trade union recognition provisions in the Employment Rights Bill will apply to town and parish councils.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

Guidance on the trade union recognition scheme is at Gov.uk. This sets out that the scheme is available to unions where the workplace has 21 or more workers. Therefore the smallest workplaces that have 20 or less workers not in scope of the scheme. There are no specific exemptions for town and parish councils.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the trade union recognition provisions in the Employment Rights Bill on SMEs.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Government has published a final stage impact assessment on strengthening workers’ rights to access, recognition and representation (see paragraphs 61 to 66 in relation to trade union recognition in particular). This is available at: Impact assessment: Strengthening workers’ rights to trade union access, recognition and representation.

The statutory trade union recognition scheme is available to unions where the workplace has 21 or more workers. Therefore the smallest workplaces that have 20 or less workers are not in scope of the scheme.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government which status of public body they expect the new Fair Pay Agency to have.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Through the Employment Rights Bill, the Government is creating Fair Pay Agreements in the social care sector, and the Fair Work Agency to upgrade enforcement of employment rights.

The Fair Work Agency will be an executive agency of the Department for Business and Trade. This and further information on both the Fair Work Agency and Fair Pay Agreements is set out in the Employment Rights Bill factsheets available on gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employment-rights-bill-factsheets.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 31 March 2025 to Question 40580 on Trade Union Officials: Facilities Agreements, whether he plans to revoke the The Trade Union (Facility Time Publication Requirements) Regulations 2017 following the passage of the Employment Rights Bill.

Answered by Gareth Thomas - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Trade Union Facility Time Publication Requirements Regulations 2017 will be automatically revoked when section 13 of the Trade Union Act 2016 is repealed pursuant to clause 63 of the Government’s Employment Rights Bill, as they were made under powers included in that section.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill on the ability of councils to provide (a) regular refuse collections and (b) other core services.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The delivery of the Plan to Make Work Pay is a manifesto commitment. We will be engaging closely with local authorities as the policy develops and further detail on funding models will be provided in due course. We will consult extensively on the implementation of the legislation to ensure it works for workers and employers alike.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department plans to publish a timeline for the Fair Work Agency becoming fully operational.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

Creating the Fair Work Agency (FWA) is a complex process that requires primary legislation. The Employment Rights Bill is the first phase of delivering the FWA.

Implementation will occur in phases following Royal Assent to ensure a smooth and effective transition. We will provide more information on timings in due course.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will bring forward proposals for a furlough scheme for parents of chronically ill children.

Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises the important role parents and carers play in looking after disabled people and people with health conditions, including chronically ill children. Significant support is available to support disabled people and their families and carers, such as Disability Living Allowance for children worth up to £184.30 per week, and Carer’s Allowance worth up to £81.90 per week.

This Government is going further to give carers greater flexibility to work and increase their financial security by raising the Carer’s Allowance Weekly Earnings Limit to the equivalent of 16 hours at the National Living Wage from 6^th April 2025. This will be the largest increase to the earnings limit since Carer’s Allowance was introduced in 1976.

We are also strengthening the right to request flexible working arrangements through the Employment Rights Bill, enabling parents and carers to better balance work around their caring commitments.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department assessed the reinstatement of the School Support Staff Negotiating Body against the requirement set out in the Approvals Process for the Creation of New Arm’s-Length Bodies that the creation of a new arms length body should only be considered as a last resort.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Department for Education is currently working through the approval process to establish the School Support Staff Negotiating Body as an Arm’s Length Body, in parallel to the passage of the Employment Rights Bill. The completion of business cases as part of this process considers other viable delivery mechanisms and ensures there is a clear rationale for its creation.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 14 March 2025 to Question 36096 on MHCLG: Trade Union Officials, whether she plans to continue publishing this data following the passage of the Employment Rights Bill.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

As with any changes to employment legislation, the department will review the position on reporting requirements as appropriate in line with the Employment Rights Bill 2024 and any applicable Cabinet Office guidance.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent discussions he has had with (a) business groups and (b) employer organisations on the potential impact of the level of efficiency of employment tribunals on SMEs.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

We are committed to ensuring that Employment Tribunals operate effectively, ensuring workers have access to justice while minimising burdens on the majority of businesses which play by the rules.

As part of the development of the Employment Rights Bill, the Government has consulted with businesses extensively and further engagements (including on this topic) are planned.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent estimate his Department has made of the financial impact of Employment Tribunal delays on UK businesses.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

We are committed to ensuring that Employment Tribunals operate effectively, ensuring workers have access to justice while minimising burdens on the majority of businesses which play by the rules.

As part of the development of the Employment Rights Bill, the Government has consulted with businesses extensively and further engagements (including on this topic) are planned.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill on (a) drivers employed by app companies, (b) couriers employed by app companies and (c) gig economy workers.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The impact of the Employment Rights Bill on those individuals will depend largely on their employment status. Individuals in the platform economy can be any status: employee, limb (b) worker, or self-employed, depending on the reality of the relationship between them and their employer.

The Employment Rights Bill, once implemented, will represent the biggest upgrade of workers’ rights in a generation. It will raise the minimum floor of employment rights, raise living standards across the country and level the playing field for those businesses who are engaged in good practices.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of four-day working weeks.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

While the government continues to monitor the impact of flexible working, it has made no assessment of the four-day week specifically. Additionally, the government has no plans to mandate a four-day week, however, through the Employment Rights Bill we are giving employees better access to flexible working arrangements, where reasonably feasible. Not all businesses will be able to offer all forms of flexible working, and not all arrangements will suit all employees equally. We want to create a framework that encourages employers and employees to explore options for flexible working arrangements that suit both parties.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of companies closing and subsequently setting up a new similar company, with the result of (a) job losses, (b) workplace bullying and (c) changes to working conditions on employees’ rights.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 introduced new measures to help combat ‘phoenixing’ - when a director dissolves a company to avoid debts or other responsibilities, to then set up another similar company. The accompanying impact assessment provides the government’s assessment of the evidence relating to this practice. Alongside this, the Employment Rights Bill is delivering the biggest upgrade to workers rights and protections in a generation, including strengthening collective redundancy rights and ending unscrupulous practices of fire and rehire.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of seafarers' welfare, in the context of roster patterns.

Answered by Mike Kane - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government is committed to strengthening workers’ rights at sea, which is why as part of the Employment Rights Bill we are introducing powers for Ministers to create a legally-binding Seafarers’ Charter. This will protect and improve seafarer working conditions, including by addressing seafarer fatigue.

We will continue to work with like-minded states and through international forums to raise international standards for seafarer welfare.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether their Department offers its staff shared parental leave from their first working day.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

No. The Civil Service Management Code sets out that, ‘Departments and agencies may only grant shared parental leave in accordance with the statutory requirements governing eligibility for this category of leave.’ However, some staff could qualify for statutory shared parental leave on their first day of service with a particular department because they already have service with another department.

As with any changes to employment legislation, internal policies and processes will be updated as appropriate in preparation for when the Employment Rights Bill 2024 comes into effect.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 11 February 2025 to Question 29005 on Risk Assessment, whether the National Security Risk Assessment on industrial action has changed in light of the expected (a) repeal of the Trade Union Act 2016 and (b) the passage of the Employment Rights Bill.

Answered by Abena Oppong-Asare - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

All risks in the internal, classified National Security Risk Assessment (NSRA) are kept under review to ensure that they are the most appropriate scenarios to inform emergency preparedness and resilience activity and to reflect the risk landscape. The National Risk Register, which reflects the NSRA, was last updated in January 2025 and will be updated regularly to reflect changes to the risk landscape.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what responses they received to questions on transparency and large employers publishing their family-related leave and pay policies following their consultation on the ‘Good Work Plan: Proposals to support families’; and how have they responded to the outcomes of the consultation regarding these questions.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The consultation on publication of parental leave and pay policies was undertaken by the previous government.

This government is committed to supporting working families. The Employment Rights Bill will make the right to request flexible working the default, make Paternity and Parental Leave Day one rights, and will require large employers to produce equality action plans, amongst other measures.

As a result, we do not believe that requiring businesses to publish their family-related leave and pay policies is necessary at this time.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will take steps to introduce a feedback mechanism for small-to-medium sized businesses to report issues relating to the (a) National Procurement Policy Statement procurement criteria and (b) obligations for employers in the Employment Rights Bill.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The National Procurement Policy Statement supports Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSEs), giving them greater opportunities to win public contracts by instructing contracting authorities to maximise their spend with these organisations.

We are clear that we want public contracts to deliver value for money in procurement through stronger expectations around commercial capability and contract management. The NPPS asks contracting authorities to ensure they have the appropriate procurement and contract management skills and capability necessary to deliver public contracts and encourages the use of collaborative procurement frameworks, where appropriate, to deliver value for money. To support this, a new online register of commercial agreements will increase visibility of frameworks and fees, curbing excessive profits.

The Cabinet Office undertook a programme of stakeholder engagement to inform the development of the NPPS. This included an online survey which received over 436 responses and a series of roundtables with key stakeholders from contracting authorities, businesses and civil society. I have met with the Federation of Small Businesses, Enterprise Nation and a large number of SMEs across various sectors to discuss how the government can continue to break down barriers to procurement opportunities through the new procurement regime, supporting jobs and growth across the country.

To support implementation of the Procurement Act, the Government has provided a programme of free training to procurement teams on its provisions and flexibilities. Additionally, the Government hosted a series of supplier webinars and published instructional videos and user-manuals, aimed specifically for suppliers, to help them understand the key changes including how to use the new central digital platform - working with trade associations and other business representative organisations to help distribute the materials.

The Department for Business and Trade leads on the Employment Rights Bill. Impact assessments undertaken for the Employment Rights Bill can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of the (a) updated National Procurement Policy Statement and (b) Employment Rights Bill on the capacity of small and medium enterprises to (i) bid for and (ii) undertake public contracts.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The National Procurement Policy Statement supports Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSEs), giving them greater opportunities to win public contracts by instructing contracting authorities to maximise their spend with these organisations.

We are clear that we want public contracts to deliver value for money in procurement through stronger expectations around commercial capability and contract management. The NPPS asks contracting authorities to ensure they have the appropriate procurement and contract management skills and capability necessary to deliver public contracts and encourages the use of collaborative procurement frameworks, where appropriate, to deliver value for money. To support this, a new online register of commercial agreements will increase visibility of frameworks and fees, curbing excessive profits.

The Cabinet Office undertook a programme of stakeholder engagement to inform the development of the NPPS. This included an online survey which received over 436 responses and a series of roundtables with key stakeholders from contracting authorities, businesses and civil society. I have met with the Federation of Small Businesses, Enterprise Nation and a large number of SMEs across various sectors to discuss how the government can continue to break down barriers to procurement opportunities through the new procurement regime, supporting jobs and growth across the country.

To support implementation of the Procurement Act, the Government has provided a programme of free training to procurement teams on its provisions and flexibilities. Additionally, the Government hosted a series of supplier webinars and published instructional videos and user-manuals, aimed specifically for suppliers, to help them understand the key changes including how to use the new central digital platform - working with trade associations and other business representative organisations to help distribute the materials.

The Department for Business and Trade leads on the Employment Rights Bill. Impact assessments undertaken for the Employment Rights Bill can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the National Procurement Policy Statement on 13 February 2025, what discussions his Department has had with representatives of small-to-medium sized enterprises on the potential impact of the (a) National Procurement Policy Statement and (b) Employment Rights Bill on the administration of businesses.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The National Procurement Policy Statement supports Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSEs), giving them greater opportunities to win public contracts by instructing contracting authorities to maximise their spend with these organisations.

We are clear that we want public contracts to deliver value for money in procurement through stronger expectations around commercial capability and contract management. The NPPS asks contracting authorities to ensure they have the appropriate procurement and contract management skills and capability necessary to deliver public contracts and encourages the use of collaborative procurement frameworks, where appropriate, to deliver value for money. To support this, a new online register of commercial agreements will increase visibility of frameworks and fees, curbing excessive profits.

The Cabinet Office undertook a programme of stakeholder engagement to inform the development of the NPPS. This included an online survey which received over 436 responses and a series of roundtables with key stakeholders from contracting authorities, businesses and civil society. I have met with the Federation of Small Businesses, Enterprise Nation and a large number of SMEs across various sectors to discuss how the government can continue to break down barriers to procurement opportunities through the new procurement regime, supporting jobs and growth across the country.

To support implementation of the Procurement Act, the Government has provided a programme of free training to procurement teams on its provisions and flexibilities. Additionally, the Government hosted a series of supplier webinars and published instructional videos and user-manuals, aimed specifically for suppliers, to help them understand the key changes including how to use the new central digital platform - working with trade associations and other business representative organisations to help distribute the materials.

The Department for Business and Trade leads on the Employment Rights Bill. Impact assessments undertaken for the Employment Rights Bill can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the National Procurement Policy Statement, published on 13 February 2025, what estimate he has made of the cost for contracting authorities of implementing (a) that Statement and (b) the Employment Rights Bill.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) sets out our vision for public procurement unlocking the full potential of the £400 billion spent annually on public procurement to drive sustainable economic growth and maximise social value to support mission delivery. We are clear that we want public contracts to deliver value for money in procurement through stronger expectations around commercial capability and contract management. The NPPS asks contracting authorities to ensure they have the appropriate procurement and contract management skills and capability necessary to deliver public contracts and encourages the use of collaborative procurement frameworks, where appropriate, to deliver value for money. To support this, a new online register of commercial agreements will increase visibility of frameworks and fees, curbing excessive profits.

The Cabinet Office undertook a programme of stakeholder engagement to inform the development of the NPPS. This included an online survey which received over 436 responses and a series of roundtables with key stakeholders from contracting authorities, small businesses and civil society. We have also met with the Federation of Small Businesses, Enterprise Nation and a large number of SMEs across various sectors to discuss how the government can continue to break down barriers to procurement opportunities through the new procurement regime, supporting jobs and growth across the country. Contracting authorities are best placed to determine how the strategic priorities set out in the NPPS can be incorporated into their overall procurement strategies and individual public contracts.

An Impact Assessment in relation to the Procurement Act was published in May 2022 and can be found at: https://bills.parliament.uk/publications/46429/documents/1767.

The Department for Business and Trade leads on the Employment Rights Bill. Guidance will be issued as appropriate in due course. Impact assessments undertaken for the Employment Rights Bill can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the National Procurement Policy Statement, published on 13 February 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) that Statement and (b) the Employment Rights Bill on public sector procurement timelines.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) sets out our vision for public procurement unlocking the full potential of the £400 billion spent annually on public procurement to drive sustainable economic growth and maximise social value to support mission delivery. We are clear that we want public contracts to deliver value for money in procurement through stronger expectations around commercial capability and contract management. The NPPS asks contracting authorities to ensure they have the appropriate procurement and contract management skills and capability necessary to deliver public contracts and encourages the use of collaborative procurement frameworks, where appropriate, to deliver value for money. To support this, a new online register of commercial agreements will increase visibility of frameworks and fees, curbing excessive profits.

The Cabinet Office undertook a programme of stakeholder engagement to inform the development of the NPPS. This included an online survey which received over 436 responses and a series of roundtables with key stakeholders from contracting authorities, small businesses and civil society. We have also met with the Federation of Small Businesses, Enterprise Nation and a large number of SMEs across various sectors to discuss how the government can continue to break down barriers to procurement opportunities through the new procurement regime, supporting jobs and growth across the country. Contracting authorities are best placed to determine how the strategic priorities set out in the NPPS can be incorporated into their overall procurement strategies and individual public contracts.

An Impact Assessment in relation to the Procurement Act was published in May 2022 and can be found at: https://bills.parliament.uk/publications/46429/documents/1767.

The Department for Business and Trade leads on the Employment Rights Bill. Guidance will be issued as appropriate in due course. Impact assessments undertaken for the Employment Rights Bill can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the National Procurement Policy Statement, published on 13 February 2025, what guidance he has issued to contracting authorities on the (a) National Procurement Policy Statement’s procurement priorities and (b) Employment Rights Bill's mandate for statutory probation periods.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) sets out our vision for public procurement unlocking the full potential of the £400 billion spent annually on public procurement to drive sustainable economic growth and maximise social value to support mission delivery. We are clear that we want public contracts to deliver value for money in procurement through stronger expectations around commercial capability and contract management. The NPPS asks contracting authorities to ensure they have the appropriate procurement and contract management skills and capability necessary to deliver public contracts and encourages the use of collaborative procurement frameworks, where appropriate, to deliver value for money. To support this, a new online register of commercial agreements will increase visibility of frameworks and fees, curbing excessive profits.

The Cabinet Office undertook a programme of stakeholder engagement to inform the development of the NPPS. This included an online survey which received over 436 responses and a series of roundtables with key stakeholders from contracting authorities, small businesses and civil society. We have also met with the Federation of Small Businesses, Enterprise Nation and a large number of SMEs across various sectors to discuss how the government can continue to break down barriers to procurement opportunities through the new procurement regime, supporting jobs and growth across the country. Contracting authorities are best placed to determine how the strategic priorities set out in the NPPS can be incorporated into their overall procurement strategies and individual public contracts.

An Impact Assessment in relation to the Procurement Act was published in May 2022 and can be found at: https://bills.parliament.uk/publications/46429/documents/1767.

The Department for Business and Trade leads on the Employment Rights Bill. Guidance will be issued as appropriate in due course. Impact assessments undertaken for the Employment Rights Bill can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the National Procurement Policy Statement, published on 13 February 2025, what steps he is taking to ensure that enhanced procurement obligations do not increase public spending.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) sets out our vision for public procurement unlocking the full potential of the £400 billion spent annually on public procurement to drive sustainable economic growth and maximise social value to support mission delivery. We are clear that we want public contracts to deliver value for money in procurement through stronger expectations around commercial capability and contract management. The NPPS asks contracting authorities to ensure they have the appropriate procurement and contract management skills and capability necessary to deliver public contracts and encourages the use of collaborative procurement frameworks, where appropriate, to deliver value for money. To support this, a new online register of commercial agreements will increase visibility of frameworks and fees, curbing excessive profits.

The Cabinet Office undertook a programme of stakeholder engagement to inform the development of the NPPS. This included an online survey which received over 436 responses and a series of roundtables with key stakeholders from contracting authorities, small businesses and civil society. We have also met with the Federation of Small Businesses, Enterprise Nation and a large number of SMEs across various sectors to discuss how the government can continue to break down barriers to procurement opportunities through the new procurement regime, supporting jobs and growth across the country. Contracting authorities are best placed to determine how the strategic priorities set out in the NPPS can be incorporated into their overall procurement strategies and individual public contracts.

An Impact Assessment in relation to the Procurement Act was published in May 2022 and can be found at: https://bills.parliament.uk/publications/46429/documents/1767.

The Department for Business and Trade leads on the Employment Rights Bill. Guidance will be issued as appropriate in due course. Impact assessments undertaken for the Employment Rights Bill can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the National Procurement Policy Statement, published on 13 February 2025, what steps he is taking to monitor the potential impact of the (a) National Procurement Policy Statement and (b) Employment Rights Bill on small-to-medium-sized business participation in public procurement.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The National Procurement Policy Statement supports Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSEs), giving them greater opportunities to win public contracts by instructing contracting authorities to maximise their spend with these organisations. As part of this I have met with the Federation of Small Businesses, Enterprise Nation and a large number of SMEs across various sectors to discuss how the government can continue to break down barriers to procurement opportunities through the new procurement regime, supporting jobs and growth across the country.

To support implementation of the NPPS in central government, we have announced new rules requiring all government departments and their executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies to set three-year targets for direct spend with SMEs from 1 April 2025, and from 1 April 2026 for VCSEs, and publish progress annually. This will drive greater transparency and accountability for increasing numbers of SMEs and VCSEs delivering public contracts, supporting local economic growth and innovation and creating jobs in local communities up and down the country.

To support implementation of the Procurement Act, the Government has provided a programme of free training to procurement teams on its provisions and flexibilities. Additionally, the Government hosted a series of supplier webinars and published instructional videos and user-manuals, aimed specifically for suppliers, to help them understand the key changes including how to use the new central digital platform - working with trade associations and other business representative organisations to help distribute the materials.

The Department for Business and Trade leads on the Employment Rights Bill. Impact assessments undertaken for the Employment Rights Bill can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the National Procurement Policy Statement published on 13 February 2025, what steps the Government has taken to support small-to-medium-sized businesses to adapt to new procurement processes.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The National Procurement Policy Statement supports Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSEs), giving them greater opportunities to win public contracts by instructing contracting authorities to maximise their spend with these organisations. As part of this I have met with the Federation of Small Businesses, Enterprise Nation and a large number of SMEs across various sectors to discuss how the government can continue to break down barriers to procurement opportunities through the new procurement regime, supporting jobs and growth across the country.

To support implementation of the NPPS in central government, we have announced new rules requiring all government departments and their executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies to set three-year targets for direct spend with SMEs from 1 April 2025, and from 1 April 2026 for VCSEs, and publish progress annually. This will drive greater transparency and accountability for increasing numbers of SMEs and VCSEs delivering public contracts, supporting local economic growth and innovation and creating jobs in local communities up and down the country.

To support implementation of the Procurement Act, the Government has provided a programme of free training to procurement teams on its provisions and flexibilities. Additionally, the Government hosted a series of supplier webinars and published instructional videos and user-manuals, aimed specifically for suppliers, to help them understand the key changes including how to use the new central digital platform - working with trade associations and other business representative organisations to help distribute the materials.

The Department for Business and Trade leads on the Employment Rights Bill. Impact assessments undertaken for the Employment Rights Bill can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments.

Found: Employment Rights Bill - new obligations for firms to protect staff from third-party harassment 19

Found: The 2024 King’s Speech and accompanying memorandum included 40 new bills, including the Employment Rights Bill

Found: government is also boosting the National Living Wage and creating more secure jobs through the Employment Rights Bill

Found: The launch of the group comes as the government steers its flagship Employment Rights Bill through Parliament

Found: Living Wage, increased the National Minimum Wage and is creating more secure jobs through the Employment Rights Bill

Found: The Government’s Employment Rights Bill, which is currently making its way through Parliament, was introduced

Found: On top of this the Employment Rights Bill, a key pillar in the Plan to Make Work Pay, will release an

Found: The uplift sits alongside the Employment Rights Bill, the most significant upgrade to workers’ rights

Found: On top of this the Employment Rights Bill, a key pillar in the Plan to Make Work Pay, will release an

Found: Directors, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development To discuss unfair dismissal and the Employment Rights Bill

Found: an English Devolution Bill (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) • the Employment Rights Bill

Found: The government is also taking action through the Employment Rights Bill to bring umbrella companies within

Found: We have written some rules called the Employment Rights Bill.

Found: Other measures to strengthen equality protections and requirements are included in the Employment Rights Bill

Found: Law Other measures to strengthen equality protections and requirements are included in the Employment Rights Bill

Found: Bill which prepared the way for the first commercial spaceflight from UK soil Supporting the Employment Rights Bill

Found: Legislative Consent Memorandum: delegated powers relevant to Scotland in the Employment Rights Bill A

Found: to rally behind at this Congress, and it's why my government welcomes the UK government's employment rights bill

Found: Scottish Government’s progress on Fair Work being outstripped by upcoming legislation in the UK Employment Rights Bill

Found: We look forward to engaging on the proposed UK Bills, including the Employment Rights Bill and the Equality

Question

To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the use of so-called "fire-and-rehire" practices in the public sector in Scotland, in light of the proposed Employment Rights Bill by the UK Government.

Answered by Arthur, Tom - Minister for Employment and Investment

The Scottish Government has been consistently clear that it opposes fire and rehire practices.

Question

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it is having with the UK Government regarding (a) trade union recognition and (b) the application of the national minimum wage in the maritime supply chain for the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm.

Answered by Martin, Gillian - Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy

Employment and industrial relations legislation is reserved to the UK Parliament. While this remains the case, the Scottish Government will continue to use our Fair Work policy to drive up labour market standards for workers across the Scottish labour market.

Ministers are clear that the best way to protect Scotland’s workers is by devolving employment law. However, Ministers welcome the UK Government’s Employment Rights Bill and continue to work with them to ensure it has a positive impact across Scotland.

There have been no discussions with the UK Government specifically regarding trade union recognition or the application of the national minimum wage in the maritime supply chain for the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm.

Found: The UK Employment Rights Bill

Found: 2024 Consent recommended Data (Use and Access) Bill 22 November 2024 Consent recommended Employment Rights Bill

Found: and Constitution Committee The Welsh Government’s Legislative Consent Memoranda on the Employment Rights Bill

Found: Constitution Committee to consider and report on the Legislative Consent Memorandum on the Employment Rights Bill

Found: 1 LEGISLATIVE CONSENT MEMORANDUM THE EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS BILL 1.

Found: Constitution Committee to consider and report on the Legislative Consent Memorandum on the Employment Rights Bill

Found: The Employment Rights Bill (the Bill) was introduced in the House of Commons on 10 October 2024.

Found: It is, however, positive that the Employment Rights Bill which has been recently announced by the UK

Found: It is, however, positive that the Employment Rights Bill which has been recently announced by the UK

Found: partnership networks and the work that we, perhaps, do with the UK Government and their Employment Rights Bill

Found: 1 SUPPLEMENTARY LEGISLATIVE CONSENT MEMORANDUM (MEMORANDUM NO 3) EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS BILL 1.

Found: 1 SUPPLEMENTARY LEGISLATIVE CONSENT MEMORANDUM (No 2) EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS BILL 1.

Found: to consider and report on the Supplementary Legislative Consent Memorandum (No.2) on the Employment Rights Bill

Found: The Employment Rights Bill (“the Bill”) was introduced in the House of Commons on 10 October 2024 and

Found: In addition, the UK Government has introduced the Employment Rights Bill, which the Welsh Government

Found: to consider and report on the Supplementary Legislative Consent Memorandum (No.3) on the Employment Rights Bill

Found: Living Wage, increased the National Minimum Wage and is creating more secure jobs through the Employment Rights Bill

Found: Completed: The Secretariat emailed members with the summary on 19 February Agenda item 2:  Employment Rights Bill

Found: Agenda item 1: welcome/opening remarks Agenda item 2: Employment Rights Bill Action: Welsh Government

Found: The contents of this paper and the Welsh Government’s stance on the Employment Rights Bill. ii.    

Found: The SPC have also discussed the impact of the UK Employment Rights Bill currently making its way through

Found: Employment Rights Bill update – Head of Modern Slavery and Workers’ Rights, Welsh Government 4.1

Found: Employment Rights Bill Presentation to the Gender Equality Forum December 2024Context • Key part of

Found: through a collaborative approach with partners across Wales and we welcome the UK Government’s Employment Rights Bill

Question

Why did the Welsh Government and relevant stakeholders decide to make the Social Care Workforce Partnership something employers voluntarily adopt, rather than something compulsory across the independent social care sector?

Answered by Minister for Children and Social Care

The partnership aims, through the development of the announced HR policies, to set expectations and bring consistency to the sector by developing national approaches to these issues.

We are committed to raising the profile and status of the social care workforce through registration, improved pay and better terms and conditions. The Social Care Workforce Partnership will support to embed the principles of Fair Work helping us to build a more resilient and sustainable workforce.

The Partnership has consulted with social care employers and the workforce in deciding on these initial priorities based on what the sector said was important to them. This ongoing dialogue will continue and is crucial for developing trusted relationships that promote cooperation, respect, trust, and increased participation, ultimately delivering mutual gains and benefits.

Welsh Government working in partnership with trade unions and social care employers demonstrates our collective commitment to creating a fairer and more supportive work environment for social care workers in Wales.

Employment law is non devolved and therefore, Welsh Government have minimal scope in enforcing providers to adopt employment policies. However, my officials are working closely with the UK Government to explore how the UK Government Employment Rights Bill, can also benefit Wales.

Question

Further to WQ94034, when does the Cabinet Secretary foresee a transformative new deal for working people will make work fairer, safer and more secure for all workers?

Answered by Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership

I expect the Employment Rights Bill to have its first reading in the UK Parliament in October this year. I look forward to meeting with the UK Minister for Employment Rights later this autumn to discuss the Bill and the wider implementation of the Plan to Make Work Pay.

Question

What steps has the Government taken and what progress has the Government made in aiming to secure the devolution of the Health and Safety Executive to Wales?

Answered by Minister for Social Partnership

The UK Government has committed to reviewing health and safety guidance and regulations as part of its Plan to Make Work Pay.  Our priority is to work with the UK Government on this agenda and to deliver its new Employment Rights Bill which will strengthen workers’ protections, enhance trade union rights, and improve enforcement.   I will be raising the remit and resourcing of the HSE in my discussions with UK Ministers on these issues.