Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Nick Smith and Paula Sherriff

Tuesday 7th November 2017 Commons Chamber

[Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab)]

15. What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on providing funding to ensure minimum wage back-payment in the social care sector.

[Paula Sherriff (Dewsbury) (Lab)]

17. What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on providing funding to ensure minimum wage back-payment in the social care sector.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Margot James)]

I have worked closely with ministerial colleagues to implement a national minimum wage enforcement approach that protects the interests of social care workers and vulnerable service users. The Government recognise the financial pressures that some providers face, and we are exploring further options to minimise any impact on the sector. Any intervention would need to be proportionate, and the Government have opened discussions with the European Commission about issues relating to state aid.