Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chloe Smith and Justin Madders

Wednesday 30th March 2022 Commons Chamber

[Chloe Smith]

I assure the hon. Member for Bath (Wera Hobhouse) that I regularly meet many disabled people and disability organisations. I am aware of this issue and the natural anxiety about rising costs felt by many who live on a fixed income. That is why the Government are already acting in the way I set out.

[Justin Madders (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab)]

10. If she will undertake an equalities impact assessment of HM Prison and Probation Service’s equality assessment for fitness testing.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chloe Smith and Justin Madders

Thursday 27th February 2020 Commons Chamber

[Justin Madders (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab)]

T9. This morning, I did a quick Google search—other search engines are available—for “Government jobs”, which came up with dozens of Government positions described as being inside IR35. That is the worst of both worlds, because an individual would be taxed as an employee but would have no employment rights. Does the Cabinet Office agree that that is an untenable state of affairs for people working for the Government?

[Chloe Smith]

The hon. Gentleman raises a thoughtful point. He will be aware that Her Majesty’s Treasury has led a review of those rules. I think that we all agree that we want to see employees treated accurately and fairly, whichever category they fall into, and of course that the public purse is protected by taxes being brought in and made available for public services. I am happy to look at the matter in slightly more detail if he thinks there is something beyond that.