Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alok Sharma and David Evennett

Tuesday 21st July 2020 Commons Chamber

[Alok Sharma]

I can confirm to my hon. Friend that, of course, the Government strongly support the growth of the life sciences sector in the north-west, which employs about 26,000 people. We have made a significant strategic investment in the Medicines Discovery Catapult at Alderley Edge to boost R&D.

[Sir David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford) (Con)]

What support his Department is providing to businesses to help them operate in a covid-secure way.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Alok Sharma)]

In consultation with businesses, business representative groups, trade unions, Public Health England and the Health and Safety Executive, my Department has published comprehensive workplace guidance to ensure businesses can operate in a covid-secure manner, keeping both their workers and customers as safe as possible.

[Sir David Evennett [V]]

I thank my right hon. Friend for his reply, and welcome the work that he and his Department are doing to help businesses during this challenging time. However, what support is being given to the self-employed across the country?

[Alok Sharma]

As my right hon. Friend will know, 2.7 million self-employed people have accessed over £7.8 billion of grants from self-employed income support scheme. The scheme has been extended, and individuals will be able to claim a second and final grant when the scheme reopens for applications on 17 August.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alok Sharma and David Evennett

Wednesday 12th June 2019 Commons Chamber

[Alok Sharma]

As the hon. Gentleman will know, over the last two Budgets, we have put in an extra £6 billion to support the most vulnerable in universal credit. Sadly, he and his colleagues did not vote to support those changes.

[Sir David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford) (Con)]

Does my hon. Friend agree that ensuring that universal credit is fair and flexible for women is a vital part of supporting women’s economic empowerment?

[Alok Sharma]

My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. In the universal credit system, we have one-to-one support provided by work coaches, and it is working. We have just seen the figures released yesterday by the Office for National Statistics showing that the rate of women in employment is at a record high.