Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has consulted with independent retailers on the development of the New Business Growth Service.

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

The new Business Growth Service will regularly review user feedback to ensure it delivers what businesses need to support their growth and productivity. My department is therefore engaging widely with stakeholders, especially entrepreneurs and small business owners, on the design and implementation of the service. This has included a series of roundtables and consultation events across the country and delivered via partners. This process will continue, even after the service launches to continue to refine and improve it.

The Department for Business and Trade engages regularly with retailers of all types, including independent retailers, through key trade associations in the Business Growth Service.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, when the New Business Growth Service is going to be launched.

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

The new Business Growth service will simplify the government’s business support ecosystem to ensure businesses get the support they need with local delivery at its heart and all underpinned by an improved online service. This will help deliver the government’s forthcoming Small Business Strategy, complementing the Industrial Strategy, Trade Strategy and Make Work Pay plans as part of a comprehensive approach to our Growth Mission.

We expect to launch this service in the summer.

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 tariffs applied by the US Government on (a) jobs and (b) exports in (i) Edinburgh North and Leith constituency and (ii) Scotland.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

We know that this will be a concerning time for businesses in Scotland; in 2024, 12.3% of goods exported from Scotland were to the US. That is why the government has been focused on negotiating an economic deal with the US and we remain committed to these discussions.

The government is resolute in our support for industry across the whole of the UK, and ministers and officials will continue to engage with businesses to understand the impact of these tariffs.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to support British bakeries.

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

We intend to introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties from 2026 - 27. Ahead of these changes being made, we have extended retail, hospitality, and leisure relief for one year at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business and frozen the small business multiplier.

The Government will protect the smallest businesses by increasing the Employment Allowance to £10,500. This means that 865,000 employers will pay no National Insurance Contributions at all. We are also working with businesses to understand their barriers to growth and High Streets will be a key pillar of our forthcoming Small Business Strategy.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many employers have received the maximum financial penalty for failing to pay the statutory minimum wage since its introduction.

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

There is no total maximum financial penalty for underpayment. The penalty is set at 200% of total arrears due to workers, subject to a minimum of £500 per case and a maximum of £20,000 per worker.

The number and maximum values of penalties per year since 2015/16 are outlined in Table 3 of the supplementary data for the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage: government evidence on enforcement and compliance 2023.

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 Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to support (a) small businesses and (b) independent retailers.

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

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities. The Government has a wide range of business support offers aimed at independent retailers, engaging directly and through key trade associations. We will be launching the Business Growth Service later this year to support small businesses further with productivity and growth working closely with Growth Hubs in England. We are also taking measures to tackle late payments, reform business rates, improve access to finance and encourage tech adoption for all businesses and independent retailers. Key growth-driving programmes such as Help to Grow: Management help businesses unlock their potential through bespoke support and resources.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether levels of compensation payments reflect the impact that failures in the Horizon system had on the families of affected sub-postmasters.

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

Many of the impacts experienced by family members of affected postmasters will already be compensated for under the relevant scheme in which postmasters are seeking redress. For example, there will be full compensation paid to the affected postmaster for joint losses such as where a family home has been lost, and this will take account of the financial impacts on family members.

The Government is however considering whether to extend additional redress to members of postmasters’ families who were affected by the scandal and will provide an update in due course.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to improve export capacity within the UK.

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

We recognise the importance of increasing the capacity of businesses to export and succeed around the world.

UK businesses can access DBT’s export support via Great.gov.uk. This comprises an online support offer and a wider network of support including the Export Academy, UK Export Finance, the International Markets network and one-to-one support from International Trade Advisers.

As part of our work on a new trade strategy and a small business strategy, we are looking at further proposals to help UK businesses to export more.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make it his policy to take British Steel into temporary public ownership (a) before the remaining blast furnaces are closed down and (b) until the future of virgin steel production in the UK is assured.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Our priority is respecting workers, safeguarding jobs, and retaining steelmaking. We have been clear that the best way forward is for British Steel to continue as a commercially run business with private investment and Government acting in support. We call upon British Steel to accept our generous offer of financial support, and the associated conditions. However, no options are off the table. The Government remains resolute in our desire to secure a long-term future for the Scunthorpe steelworks, retaining steel pro-duction and putting an end to the years of uncertainty.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will remove tariffs on the import of motor vehicles from the United States.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

On 3 April, the government launched a Request for Input from businesses to help inform our response to US tariffs. We remain committed to discussions with the US on a wider economic deal that works for both the UK and the US. But nothing is off the table; this government will do what is necessary to defend the UK’s national interest.

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 support (a) retail and (b) hospitality businesses in the West Midlands.

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

We are delivering across government to create better conditions for retail and hospitality businesses to thrive.

This government has introduced the Crime and Policing Bill, which will scrap the effective immunity for low-value shoplifting and do more to protect retail workers from assault. We have introduced High Street Rental Auction powers for local authorities, which will make town centre tenancies more accessible and affordable for SMEs, local businesses and community groups. And we are delivering permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties from 2026-27.

Last year the Business Secretary announced a new Business Growth Service which will make it easier and quicker for businesses across the United Kingdom to get the help, support and advice they need to grow and thrive. The West Midlands Growth Hub is where small and medium businesses in the West Midlands can benefit from specialist business advice on how to grow, access new markets and receive government support.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many employers have had criminal prosecutions brought against them for non-payment of the statutory minimum wage since its introduction.

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

His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) enforces the National Minimum Wage on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Criminal prosecution is reserved for the most serious cases involving deliberate underpayment or reckless pay practices. This is usually for cases where there is a wider public interest, or where employers are persistently non-compliant, or refuse to cooperate with HMRC.

Between 2007/08 and 2022/23, 21 employers have been successfully prosecuted for underpaying the minimum wage with an additional case accepting a caution. For more information about these prosecutions, see Table 12 of the supplementary data for: National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage: government evidence on enforcement and compliance, 2023 - GOV.UK

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 support pubs in Devon.

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

Hospitality businesses, including pubs and breweries in Devon, are at the heart of our communities and play a vital role in supporting economic growth across the UK.

The Government is creating a fairer business rate system and reducing alcohol duty on qualifying draught products. This work will be supported by the publication of The Small Business Strategy Command Paper which will be published later this year. Through the Hospitality Sector Council, we are addressing strategic issues for the sector related to high street regeneration, skills, sustainability, and productivity.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what progress his Department has made on trade talks with India.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The Business and Trade Secretary travelled to New Delhi to meet his counter Piyush Goyal in February 2025 where they relaunched negotiations.

We are continuing to work closely with the Government of India to progress negotiations towards a deal that drives economic growth for every region and nation.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many Investment Fund for Scotland applications have been (a) received and (b) approved for each of the funds administered by (i) DSL Business Finance, (ii) FSE Group and (iii) Maeven; and what was the average time taken to consider a funding application by (A) DSL Business Finance, (B) FSE Group and (C) Maeven.

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

The £150 million Investment Fund for Scotland was launched in November 2023 and provides debt and equity finance to Scottish businesses. Similar funds are available in Wales, Northern Ireland, and three regions of England. As at November 2024, the Investment Fund for Scotland had provided over £10 million of finance to 26 businesses. Updated information will be published by September 2025. The British Business Bank does not publish information on numbers of applications received or hold information on time taken to review applications. All investment decisions are taken by the fund managers who analyse the application and complete due diligence.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how much has been allocated from the Investment Fund for Scotland to businesses to date; and what estimate he has made of the amount that will be allocated in each year of the Fund's operation.

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

A total of £150 million has been committed to the Investment Fund for Scotland. Three fund managers have been contracted to provide £110 million of this total in debt and equity finance to small businesses. The British Business Bank has retained the remaining £40 million in reserve, which will be allocated during the life of the fund depending on market conditions and fund performance. The funding has initially been split approximately 45% to equity and 55% to debt. The expectation is that the funding will be fully deployed during the first five years.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many people in Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy constituency have received compensation through the Post Office Horizon redress schemes.

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

As of 31 March 2025, the total amount of redress paid has increased by more than three and a half times since the beginning of July 2024, with £892 million having now been paid to over 6,200 claimants.

We do not provide information about redress recipients at this geographic level due to confidentiality. Releasing this type of information risks the identification of vulnerable individuals if combined with other information that may become available via other means outside of our control.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 1 April 2025 to Question 40907 on Business: Regulation, what metric is used for the 25% reduction from 2005 to 2010; whether it was gross or net of EU regulation; and if he will provide a relevant hyperlink or source to that reduction.

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

The Administrative Burden Reduction Programme of 2005-10, which delivered a total reduction of 26.62% by May 2010, defined the administrative costs of regulation as “the annual recurring costs of administrative activities that businesses and the third sector are required to perform, in order to comply with the obligations that are imposed through central government regulation.” The programme calculated these administrative costs net of EU regulation. The final report is available at the following address: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/simplifying-regulation-and-administration-of-businesses-final-report

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 uphold the Nolan principles on standards in public life in public appointments.

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

All appointments are made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments which states that all public appointees uphold the standards of conduct set out in the Seven Principles of Public Life. All terms of appointment specify that individuals adhere to the Nolan Principles throughout their appointment and compliance is monitored on an ongoing basis.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government when the "transformation incentive" scheme authorising bonuses to be paid to Post Office directors for co-operating with the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry was designed, approved and implemented; and which Ministers, if any, approved it.

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

These questions relate to the performance metrics for the Post Office Limited ‘Transformation Incentive Scheme’ in place 2020-2022. The Government at the time agreed to the original targets but were not consulted on whether the Post Office could legitimately say that it had achieved those targets.

The Department for Business and Trade does not hold information on which directors and executives received bonuses relating to cooperation with the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry. Whilst Post Office will hold this information, it is personal information and therefore not appropriate for publication. We understand that all Post Office employees who received bonuses voluntarily returned the remuneration associated with the metric relating to the Post Office’s support for the Inquiry except for one who was on long term absence.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will list the names of Post Office directors and executives, and the amount of bonus paid to each for co-operating with the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry.

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

These questions relate to the performance metrics for the Post Office Limited ‘Transformation Incentive Scheme’ in place 2020-2022. The Government at the time agreed to the original targets but were not consulted on whether the Post Office could legitimately say that it had achieved those targets.

The Department for Business and Trade does not hold information on which directors and executives received bonuses relating to cooperation with the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry. Whilst Post Office will hold this information, it is personal information and therefore not appropriate for publication. We understand that all Post Office employees who received bonuses voluntarily returned the remuneration associated with the metric relating to the Post Office’s support for the Inquiry except for one who was on long term absence.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking (1) to prevent companies from wrongly listing a foreign company as a person of significant control in the Companies House register, and (2) to ensure that those identified as having done so either correct their entry or are prosecuted for not doing so.

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

In limited cases, a foreign company can be a relevant legal entity (RLE) and can be legitimately recorded as a UK company's person with significant control ("PSC"). The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 will introduce new requirements which will allow Companies House to collect and display more information about RLEs. If the RLE is a listed company, the UK company must say which market the RLE is listed on. This will give assurance that the RLE meets the conditions as claimed. Where the Registrar identifies or receives complaints about gaps or inaccuracies in a company’s PSC register, she will take the action required to achieve compliance.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, when he plans to answer Question 39709, tabled on 19 March 2025.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

A response was provided to question 39709 on 3^rd April: Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking with National Trading Standards to tackle the sale of ghost number plates.

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

National Trading Standards (NTS) are working with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), local authorities and the police to address the supply and use of modified number plates.

The evidence gathered following a multi-agency investigation by the DVLA, the National Trading Standards Intelligence Team and police forces across the UK will be considered by the NTS National Tasking Group when evaluating potential future action to address this issue.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has met with Britten-Norman to discuss the Chinese Company Yitong UAV Systme Co's newly designed model based on the British Islander design.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Secretary of State for Business and Trade has not met with Britten-Norman.

Details of Ministerial meetings with external organisations are published routinely on Gov.uk as part of the Government’s transparency agenda. The latest returns can be found here for Ministers: DBT: ministerial gifts, hospitality, travel and meetings, July to September 2024 - GOV.UK

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 US tariffs on the UK car industry.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

We're disappointed by the decision to impose global tariffs of 25% on auto imports and know this will be extremely concerning for our automotive sector. We will always support our automotive industry, and in the first instance we will continue to pursue a deal that works for both us and the US. We will also use our Industrial Strategy to strengthen UK automotive competitiveness and have backed the auto sector with £2 billion to support the transition of domestic manufacturing and £300 million announced in the Budget to drive uptake of electric vehicles.

This government is clear that we will always do everything necessary to defend the UK's national interest. This is why the government has launched a request for input from businesses to help shape our response to US tariffs.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he is considering retaliatory tariffs in response to US tariffs on UK car imports.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The UK automotive sector is integral to our economy, and we are disappointed by the US decision to impose 25% tariffs on automotive imports and know this will be extremely concerning for the sector. We will always support our automotive industry

The government has launched a request for input from businesses to help inform our response to US tariffs

We remain committed to discussions with the US on a wider economic deal that works for both the UK and the US. But nothing is off the table; this government will do everything necessary to defend the UK’s national interest.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to support car manufacturers in the UK in the context of US tariffs.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

We're disappointed by the decision to impose global tariffs of 25% on auto imports and know this will be extremely concerning for our automotive sector. We will always support our automotive industry, and in the first instance we will continue to pursue a deal that works for both us and the US. We will also use our Industrial Strategy to strengthen UK automotive competitiveness and have backed the auto sector with £2 billion to support the transition of domestic manufacturing and £300 million announced in the Budget to drive uptake of electric vehicles.

This government is clear that we will always do everything necessary to defend the UK's national interest. This is why the government has launched a request for input from businesses to help shape our response to US tariffs.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many (1) international companies, and (2) jobs, have been created by Northern Ireland having dual access to the UK and EU markets.

Answered by Baroness Gustafsson - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Windsor Framework positions Northern Ireland as a unique gateway for the sale of goods to two of the world’s largest markets, as well as access to global markets through the UK's new trade agreements.

Whilst the Government has not made an assessment of the impact of dual market access on the number of jobs or international companies created, between 2019 and 2023, Northern Ireland’s sales of goods to Great Britain increased by £4.7bn or 69%, and sales to the EU increased by £2.9bn or 54%.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions he has had with his US counterparts on tariffs.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The UK automotive sector is integral to our economy, and we are disappointed by the US decision to impose 25% tariffs on automotive imports and know this will be extremely concerning for the sector. We will always support our automotive industry

The government has launched a request for input from businesses to help inform our response to US tariffs

We remain committed to discussions with the US on a wider economic deal that works for both the UK and the US. But nothing is off the table; this government will do everything necessary to defend the UK’s national interest.

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 contribution of traditional boat building to the economy in West Dorset constituency.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department for Business and Trade recognises the economic value of traditional boat building, particularly in areas like West Dorset. Training in traditional methods can contribute transferable skills for preserving cultural heritage, promoting sustainability and growing businesses.

Traditional boat building forms part of the wider leisure marine sector which contributed £1.4 billion in GVA and supported 29,000 jobs in 2019 [1]. The South West region alone generated £4 billion in turnover [2]. We continue to support the sector through events like the Southampton Boat Show and METSTRADE and promote its heritage and skills as vital to the UK’s maritime economy.

[1] State of the Maritime Nation, 2022

[2] State of the Maritime Nation, 2022

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to ensure patients affected by Essure sterilisation devices manufactured over 10 years ago can claim financial compensation.

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

Manufacturers can generally be held liable for any harm caused by a defective product under Part 1 of the Consumer Protection Act 1987, but claims must be brought within 10 years of the product being supplied.

NHS Resolution manages clinical negligence and other claims against the NHS in England. NHS Resolution has confirmed that there is no specific NHS compensation scheme for such claims or any group action against the NHS relating to Essure.

NHS Resolution’s website gives some general advice for claimants wishing to make a claim for clinical negligence.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to ensure patients affected by Essure products receive financial compensation.

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

Manufacturers can generally be held liable for any harm caused by a defective product under Part 1 of the Consumer Protection Act 1987, but claims must be brought within 10 years of the product being supplied.

NHS Resolution manages clinical negligence and other claims against the NHS in England. NHS Resolution has confirmed that there is no specific NHS compensation scheme for such claims or any group action against the NHS relating to Essure.

NHS Resolution’s website gives some general advice for claimants wishing to make a claim for clinical negligence.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what estimate his Department has made of (a) the amount of scrap metal produced in the UK, (b) the maximum demand for scrap metal that can be used in the UK and (c) the impact that a ban on scrap metal exports would have on the UK economy and metals recycling sector.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

My department funded a Warwick University report entitled ‘Domestic Scrap Steel Recycling – Economic, Environmental and Social Opportunities’, published February 2021, which shows that UK produces around 11.3mn tonnes of steel scrap and 1.1mn tonnes of aluminium per year. The Government has not conducted research into the volume of other types of metal scrap.

The same report highlighted that in the years leading up to 2020, the UK’s demand for steel scrap was around 2.6mn tonnes and 800k tonnes for aluminium.

My department is in close discussion with steel and aluminium producers and metal recyclers on a range of options to improve the supply of scrap, including export controls.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many registered companies have failed to declare their persons with significant control.

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

49,521 companies have not provided details of any current persons of significant control (“PSC”) or any PSC statements giving us information about their current PSC status.

764 companies that have not provided details of any current PSCs, have submitted a statement showing that they believe they have at least one, for which they are not yet able to provide the full details.

919 companies that have provided details of at least one current PSC, have also submitted a statement showing that they believe they have at least one, for which they are not yet able to provide the full details.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will review the terms of the UK/Israel: Trade and Partnership Agreement, in the context of allegations of human rights violations in Israel.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

We believe that having strong diplomatic and economic relationships with partners allows us to have frank discussions on important issues. The UK Government continues to work with our allies and partners, including across the region, to find a path towards permanent peace.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to help reduce the level of administration for companies applying for export licences.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) is implementing a new digital export licensing system, LITE, to provide a modern digital service that streamlines the export licence application process.

ECJU has an ongoing programme of Continuous Improvement and we routinely identify and implement opportunities to make targeted improvements to the way we operate and manage the export licensing service to help us adapt to the changing demands on the system.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to improve the export licence process.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) is implementing a new digital export licensing system, LITE, to provide a modern digital service that streamlines the export licence application process.

ECJU has an ongoing programme of Continuous Improvement and we routinely identify and implement opportunities to make targeted improvements to the way we operate and manage the export licensing service to help us adapt to the changing demands on the system.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has considered suspending the UK-Israel trade and partnership agreement.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

We believe that having strong diplomatic and economic relationships with partners allows us to have frank discussions on important issues. The UK Government continues to work with our allies and partners, including across the region, to find a path towards permanent peace.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what plans he has for when the next round of formal trade negotiations with Taiwan will take place.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The UK's longstanding position on Taiwan has not changed. The UK-Taiwan Trade Talks have taken place since 1991 and I look forward to co-chairing these this year. Under the UK and Taiwan Enhanced Trade Partnership we have committed to developing 'pillars' on Investment, Digital Trade and Renewable Energy and Net Zero. We are working with the Taiwanese authorities to develop and deliver these.

UK-Taiwan Trade Talks and the Enhanced Trade Partnership will support our strong unofficial relationship with Taiwan, based on deep and growing ties in a range of areas, including trade and investment.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to support export manufacturing.

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

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is committed to supporting UK businesses, including those in the manufacturing industry, to grow and export. Under the umbrella of the recently announced Business Growth Service, UK businesses can access DBT's wealth of export support via Great.gov.uk. This comprises an online support offer and a wider network of support including the Export Academy, UK Export Finance, the International Markets network and one-to-one support from International Trade Advisers.

As part of our work on a new trade strategy and a small business strategy, we are looking at further proposals to help UK businesses to export more.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether the Trade Strategy will establish animal welfare standards that imports will be required to meet.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

I refer the member for Eastleigh to the answer I provided to UIN 20696 on 20th December 2024.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make it his policy to suspend trade negotiations with Israel pending the outcomes of ongoing investigations by the International Court of Justice into allegations of human rights violations in that country.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The government respects the independence of the International Court of Justice, and we are carefully considering the Court's advisory opinion with the seriousness and rigour it deserves.

We are of the clear view that Israel should bring an end to its presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories as rapidly as possible, but this must be done in a way that creates the conditions for negotiations towards the two-state solution. On 29 July 2024, the Secretary of State announced the Government's intention to deliver negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council, India, Israel, South Korea, Switzerland and Turkey.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department has taken to consult with civil society organizations on the potential impact of the proposed UK-Israel free trade agreement on (a) human rights and (b) compliance with international law.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The Department regularly engages with stakeholders on the Free Trade Agreement programme and I have held several such sessions, including with civil society leaders. The strategic approach to negotiations has been published on gov.uk, including an overview of negotiation objectives and a response to the call for input which ran in early 2022.

The government will continue to stand up for human rights and international law around the world, providing support to open societies and drawing on our full range of tools and levers.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has made an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of allegations of human rights violations by Israel, in the context of free trade negotiations between the UK and Israel.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The UK is a leading advocate for human rights around the world. We remain committed to the promotion of universal human rights. We will draw on our full range of tools and levers, including our independent global human rights sanctions regime, to hold to account those involved in serious human rights violations and abuses.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department plans to include a chapter on human rights in the proposed UK-Israel trade agreement.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The UK is a leading advocate for human rights around the world. We remain committed to the promotion of universal human rights. We will draw on our full range of tools and levers, including our independent global human rights sanctions regime, to hold to account those involved in serious human rights violations and abuses.

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 adequacy of the ability of newly formed companies to access finance.

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

The Government works with the British Business Bank to improve the access to finance landscape for smaller businesses. An example of the Bank’s interventions is the Start Up Loans programme which provides personal loans to start up a new business or develop an existing early-stage business. The programme also offers pre-application support and post-loan mentoring advice. Programme evaluation in December 2024 found just over two-thirds of the finance provided by Start Up Loans would not have been provided by mainstream providers.

In addition, a call for evidence has been launched by the Department on small business access to finance, seeking views on how far existing policies meet business needs, and where we may be able to go further.

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, what steps the he plans to take to improve the system of (a) applying for and (b) receiving export licences.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

ECJU is implementing a new digital export licensing system, LITE, to provide a modern digital service that streamlines the export licence application process.

ECJU has an ongoing programme of Continuous Improvement and we routinely identify and implement opportunities to make targeted improvements to the way we operate and manage the export licensing service to help us adapt to the changing demands on the system.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department plans to extend the Energy Intensive Industries support scheme.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The British Industry Supercharger was launched in 2024 and provides support to Energy Intensive Industries to bring electricity costs for those strategically important UK industries closer in line with other major economies so that they remain competitive on the world stage. The measures save eligible businesses on average around £24 – £31 per MWh on their electricity costs. The British Industry Supercharger will be reviewed regularly.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 20 March 2025 to Question 35851 on Stellantis: Luton, if he will publish details of the package of measures to support all workers facing redundancy.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The full package of support for workers facing redundancy was agreed directly between Stellantis and Unite the Union as the recognised trade union; as such Government cannot publish these details as it was not party to the negotiations.

In addition to the support being provided by Stellantis, Government is ensuring workers are fully aware of the options available to them, including through the Jobcentre Plus Rapid Response Service – further information on this service is available here:

https://www.gov.uk/redundancy-your-rights/get-help-finding-a-new-job

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to support the steel industry by reducing their electricity costs.

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

Government is committed to tackling high industrial electricity prices in the UK. This is why Government has taken action to mitigate high electricity costs for energy intensive industries by continuing the Energy Intensive Industries compensation scheme and implementing the British Industry Supercharger.

The Plan for Steel, which will be published in Spring, will address electricity prices for steelmakers. We are committed to providing up to £2.5bn to rebuild steel industry which will be available through the National Wealth Fund and other routes.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government by what date they anticipate that all compensation payments arising from the Post Office Horizon issue will be fully paid.

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

Horizon redress applications continue to be received and no deadlines have yet been set for them. However the Department’s target for the schemes which it administers is to respond to 90% of full claims within 40 working days. We hope, for example, to have settled nearly all cases in the GLO scheme by the end of 2025.

The Government remains committed to providing fair redress to all victims affected by this scandal as quickly as possible. We continue to encourage those victims who have not yet submitted a claim for redress to come forward. As of 31 March 2025, the total amount of redress paid to victims across all schemes has increased by more than three and a half times with £892 million having now been paid to over 6,200 claimants across all schemes.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what has, so far, been (1) the highest, and (2) the lowest, amounts of compensation actually paid to sub-postmasters wrongly prosecuted by the Post Office as a result of the Horizon software.

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

As of 31 March 2025, the total amount of redress paid to victims across all schemes has increased by more than three and a half times since the General Election, nine months ago, with £892 million having now been paid to over 6,200 claimants across all schemes. During this same time period, more than 3,300 victims have received compensation for the first time.

We are unable to share details of individual claims. Releasing this type of information risks the identification of vulnerable individuals if combined with other information that may become available via other means outside of our control.

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 use of AI in his Department on security.

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

Within the Department for Business and Trade we have produced an AI governance framework for how we use AI both internally and externally to ensure safe and effective use of AI. On our departmental risk register we have identified a number of risks associated with the use of AI in particular in relation to leakage of sensitive information or incorrect decisions being made on the back of outputs from AI outputs. Our mitigations to these risks include blocking non-approved AI tools and guidance to staff that all outputs from AI should be checked for accuracy.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the introduction of 25 per cent tariffs on European car imports to the United States, and (2) the impact of those tariffs on UK car exports.

Answered by Baroness Gustafsson - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

We’re disappointed by the decision to impose global tariffs of 25% on the auto imports and know this will be deeply concerning for our automotive sector. We support our automotive industry, and in the first instance we will continue to pursue a deal that works for both us and the US.

We have backed the auto sector with £2 billion to support the transition of domestic manufacturing and £300 million announced in the Budget to drive uptake of electric vehicles. We will also use our Industrial Strategy to strengthen UK automotive competitiveness.

This government is clear that we will always do what is necessary to defend the UK’s national interest. This is why the government has launched a request for input from businesses to help shape our response to US tariffs.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has had discussions with UK businesses on the potential impact of President Trump's executive order on diversity, equality and inclusion practices.

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

The Secretary of State and Ministerial team engage in regular discussions with UK business on topics including this. Department for Business and Trade ministers have already this year hosted events launching the FTSE Women Leaders and Parker Review 2025 Reports; both of which were attended by senior leaders from across the UK's private sector. Promoting equality of opportunity and business-led initiatives for progress are key parts of this Government's Plan for Change, ensuring fair access to the best jobs for all.

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 take steps to make an assessment of international comparisons of support provided to (a) minerals, (b) metals and (c) processing companies through the (i) planning and (ii) permitting process.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) actively monitors support provided to companies operating across the critical minerals supply chain in comparable countries, including planning and permitting processes.

In the forthcoming Critical Minerals Strategy, DBT will outline further details of the Government’s approach to supporting the UK’s domestic mining, processing and recycling industries, and developing the UK’s competitive advantage.

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 merits of securing the imports of critical minerals in (a) semi-manufactured materials and (b) raw materials.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

A secure supply of critical minerals is vital for the UK's economic growth and security, industrial strategy, and clean energy transition. Building on the UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre’s updated criticality assessment, government will work hand in hand with industry to publish a new Critical Minerals Strategy this year. This new, targeted Critical Minerals Strategy will help secure our supply chains for the long term and drive forward the green industries of the future.

As part of the ongoing engagement, the government will engage with stakeholders to gather expertise and insights to shape our approach to securing critical minerals.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to his Department's policy paper entitled UK Critical Mineral Strategy, last updated on 13 March 2024, what recent estimate he has made of the value of critical mineral exports.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

In 2024, the UK exported an estimated £10 billion worth of critical minerals. This figure was calculated using HMRC trade statistics, and the definition of “critical minerals” comes from internationally comparable HS trade codes published by the US Geological Survey. This figure does not include the many downstream products that are produced using critical minerals.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what information his Department holds on whether any UK firms with Russian holdings are not in the process of divesting from operations based in Russia.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The Department for Business and Trade does not hold any specific data on UK firms that are not in the process of divesting from operations based in Russia. UK businesses must comply with our sanctions, which form an extensive regime to constrain the Kremlin’s ability to continue the war. It is a decision for individual UK businesses on whether and how to divest from Russia in compliance with UK sanctions.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the increase in minimum wage on 1 April on the number of job vacancies.

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

As set out in the Impact Assessment accompanying the 2025 National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage (NLW) rates, the economic literature to date shows that increases to the NLW have had a limited impact on labour demand.

There were around 816,000 vacancies in December 2024 to February 2025, broadly unchanged on the quarter, based on the latest official data.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch on 31 March (HL Deb cols 16–18) committing to provide £2.5 billion to the steel industry, whether they will have an economic interest in the resulting assets and income streams.

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

The Government has committed up to £2.5bn to support the UK steel industry, which will be available through the National Wealth Fund (NWF) and other routes.

The NWF will catalyse private capital in the UK’s world-leading clean energy and growth industries, including green steel. NWF investments are intended to deliver a positive financial return for the Exchequer, in line with its Financial Framework.

We are also considering other funding mechanisms to help achieve our vision for the sector. We will provide further details in the steel strategy when it is published in spring 2025.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many people they estimate are engaged in the aerospace industry in the United Kingdom.

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

Based on ONS data the UK aerospace manufacturing, repair and maintenance sectors directly accounted for 100,000 jobs in 2024 and supported an additional 150,000 jobs in other areas of the economy through its purchases of input goods and services.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent steps his Department has taken to support the food sector in (a) Lincolnshire and (b) the East Midlands.

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

DBT offers extensive support for food and drink businesses in Lincolnshire and the East Midlands. Our export offer includes educational programmes via the Export Academy, advice from International Trade Advisors, and a programme of global trade shows and missions. UK Export Finance provide access to export finance, with dedicated managers in the Midlands. DBT offers support for small businesses, including the Business Support Service, Gov.uk, Growth Hubs, Help to Grow: Management scheme and financial assistance through the British Business Bank.

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 funding disparities on the growth potential of female-led and minority-led businesses; and what steps he is taking to work with public investment institutions to close that gap.

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

According to data from research firm Beauhurst, the proportion of equity finance to female-led teams was stark at 2% in the first half of 2024, in comparison to 86% for all-male teams. To directly increase this, the government-backed Invest in Women Taskforce has launched a £255 million fund to invest in female entrepreneurs through female investors.

To help increase the availability of funding to minority-led businesses, the British Business Bank launched the Community ENABLE Funding programme in November 2024, expected to issue loans worth up to £150 million over the next 2 years.

Further, the Small Business Access to Finance call for evidence, launched on 13 March 2025, considers the difficulty of accessing finance for female and minority-led businesses. We will take forward further work in those areas once we have properly considered the results of the call for evidence.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the trade implications for the United Kingdom by the imposition of differential tariffs between the United Kingdom and the European Union.

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

We will always act in the best interests of businesses across the UK. As the Prime Minister said on 2 April, we will look closely at the details of any retaliatory tariffs, if they are announced by the EU, and any impact these might have on businesses. Where goods moving to Northern Ireland do not enter the EU, businesses can claim a full reimbursement of any EU duties paid. The Secretary of State for Business and Trade spoke to the Northern Ireland Executive on 3 April, and we are committed to working together in the interests of everybody in Northern Ireland.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether, in negotiating a free trade agreement, they intend to prioritise opening up the financial services industry between the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

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

The US is an indispensable ally and one of our closest trading partners. Our trading relationship with the US was worth £315 billion in 2024. As Secretary of State said on 3 April, we have been engaged in discussions on an economic deal between the US and the UK and we remain committed to this. The financial services industry is integral to our economy, and we will always act in the UK's national interest.

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 His Majesty's Government what was the estimated value of aerospace industry exports in (1) 2023, and (2) 2024.

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

According to ONS business survey figures, the UK aerospace industry exported £20.0 billion of its production in 2023 and £23.1 billion in 2024 (in current prices).

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of tariffs imposed by the United States of America on the aerospace industry.

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

We are disappointed by the United States’ announcement of an increase in tariffs and we understand businesses, including in the aerospace industry, are concerned. We will continue to engage with the US to understand the details of how these tariffs will be implemented. We remain resolute in our support for UK industry; Ministers and officials will continue to meet with stakeholders and assess impacts.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to improve recycling infrastructure and technologies to enable the increased recovery of critical minerals and other materials.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

This Government is committed to transitioning to a circular economy. The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has convened the Circular Economy Taskforce to help us develop a Circular Economy Strategy for England, which will be supported by a series of roadmaps detailing the interventions that the government and others will make on a sector-by-sector basis. We are considering the evidence for interventions right across the economy, including interventions that would enable the increased recovery of critical minerals and other materials.

Critical minerals in particular are crucial for the Government’s ambition to kickstart economic growth and make Britain a clean energy superpower. The Department for Business and Trade plans to bring forward a Critical Minerals Strategy, which will support the aims of the forthcoming Circular Economy Strategy by driving ambitious reform to promote recycling and the retention of critical minerals within the UK economy.

Beyond critical minerals, the largest waste management companies in the UK estimates that over the next decade the forthcoming Collection and Packaging Reforms alone will stimulate £10 billion investment in recycling infrastructure and create 21,000 new jobs; whilst also enhancing UK domestic material security by reducing reliance on virgin imports of critical materials.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what recent representations she has received from legal professional bodies on the performance of employment tribunals.

Answered by Sarah Sackman - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

Ministers and officials have regular meetings with legal professional bodies to discuss a range of matters about the justice system.

To address the demands the Employment Tribunals are facing, their capacity is being increased. Following recruitment, in 2024 we had 21 more salaried judges in the Employment Tribunals than in 2023, and further recruitment for up to 36 salaried Employment Judges commenced in March 2025. 50 fee paid employment judges were appointed in 2024 and recruitment will commence for another 50 in early 2026.

HM Courts & Tribunals Service continues to invest in improving tribunal productivity through the recruitment of additional judges, deployment of Legal Officers to actively manage cases, the development of modern case management systems, and the use of remote hearing technology. A ‘Virtual Region’ of judges has delivered over 1,500 extra sitting days.

As a result, the Lord Chancellor was able to announce on 5 March a sitting day allocation for the Employment Tribunals of 33,900 in 2025/26, the maximum allocation they are able to sit.

We do recognise that there remain significant challenges for the performance of the Employment Tribunals. We are therefore continuing to monitor demand on Employment Tribunals and are working with the judiciary, HMCTS and the Department for Business and Trade on any further actions needed to alleviate pressures on the Employment Tribunals, improve efficiency and reduce waiting times to ensure timely access to justice for claimants and respondents.

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