Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have evidence that requiring employers to permit workers to be accompanied at disciplinary or grievance hearings by persons other than trade union officials or other workers is likely to increase the cost, complexity and length of such hearings.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The current legal framework on the right to be accompanied has been in place for a long time. The framework aims to keep disciplinary and grievance procedures internal to the workplace. Expanding the types of organisations that could be involved in representing workers at discipline and grievance meetings could lead to these meetings requiring legal representation for both the worker and employer. This would invariably increase the cost of holding a hearing, add complexity and delays, and decrease the chance of amicable resolution as both parties become entrenched in a dispute.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of expanding the right to accompaniment at disciplinary or grievance hearings to persons other than trade union officials or other workers on minority groups and equality outcomes.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The current legal framework on the right to be accompanied has been in place for a long time. The framework aims to keep disciplinary and grievance procedures internal to the workplace. Expanding the types of organisations that could be involved in representing workers at discipline and grievance meetings could lead to these meetings requiring legal representation for both the worker and employer. This would invariably increase the cost of holding a hearing, add complexity and delays, and decrease the chance of amicable resolution as both parties become entrenched in a dispute.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of enabling companions permitted to accompany workers at disciplinary or grievance hearings to provide legal representation or act as legal advocates for workers during those hearings.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The current legal framework on the right to be accompanied has been in place for a long time. The framework aims to keep disciplinary and grievance procedures internal to the workplace. Expanding the types of organisations that could be involved in representing workers at discipline and grievance meetings could lead to these meetings requiring legal representation for both the worker and employer. This would invariably increase the cost of holding a hearing, add complexity and delays, and decrease the chance of amicable resolution as both parties become entrenched in a dispute.

This inquiry will focus on drought management practices and policies and consider whether these are sufficient for responding to current and future droughts. The inquiry will cover impacts, monitoring, engagement and changes in supply and demand, aiming to identify opportunities for improved drought preparedness and response in England.