Covid-19: Business

Debate between Alok Sharma and Rosie Cooper

Tuesday 12th May 2020 Commons Chamber

[Alok Sharma]

My hon. Friend makes a good point about the challenges facing commercial and other landlords. I recognise that many landlords are working closely with their tenants and following best practice, and we are closely monitoring the three-month moratorium on rents. As I said, the CLBIL and CBIL schemes are available for landlords, and people are taking advantage of them in some numbers.

[Rosie Cooper (West Lancashire) (Lab) [V]]

How do the Government intend to ensure that the shielded group of people and their household members do not face an impossible choice between returning to work and breaching public health advice? Will the Secretary of State advise employers to use the job retention scheme for this group when needed?

[Alok Sharma]

Our guidance makes reference to employers having to consider those who are particularly vulnerable and in those sorts of categories—expectant mothers and so on—and we want them to make sure those people are being taken care of and catered for. None of the equalities legislation has changed; at the end of the day, this is guidance, but overlaid by the current regulatory regime in place across the country.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alok Sharma and Rosie Cooper

Monday 18th March 2019 Commons Chamber

[Rosie Cooper (West Lancashire) (Lab)]

5. Which criteria her Department uses to decide whether people can make an application for universal credit by telephone.

[The Minister for Employment (Alok Sharma)]

Any claimant may claim universal credit by telephone. Each request will be considered on its merits, through discussions between the Department and individuals to see which method of claiming is most suitable and beneficial. After those discussions, phone claims are available to any individual who wishes to proceed with one.

[Rosie Cooper]

What efforts are made to engage by telephone with those who are considered to be in need of making a claim, who may include elderly, disabled or rural claimants with poor or no internet access?

[Alok Sharma]

There is a freephone line. Last month, in February, 1.2 million calls were received on the universal credit full service line, and for those who are particularly vulnerable, home visits are also available.