Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, which (a) Government Departments and (b) public sector agencies have powers to investigate breaches of (i) equality law and (ii) employment law.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has powers to investigate breaches of equality law.

Public bodies with the powers to investigate breaches of employment law are as follows:

• HM Revenue & Customs on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy - breaches relating to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage;
• The Employment Agency Standards inspectorate (part of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy) - breaches relating to the domestic regulations applicable to employment agencies and employment businesses;
• The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority - breaches relating to temporary labour in high risk sectors in the fresh food supply chain. The Authority also has powers to investigate modern slavery and other labour abuse offences;
• The Health & Safety Executive, and other health & safety regulators - breaches relating to health and safety at work including elements of the Working Time Regulations.