Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, pursuant to the Answer of 5 December 2014 to Question 216899, what terms of reference have been set for the taskforce; and if he will publish the taskforce's membership and the date by which it has been asked to conclude its work.

The Taskforce is comprised of representatives from the CBI, Institute of Directors, British Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, the Engineering Employers Federation, the Construction Engineering Contractors Association, the British Retail Consortium and GC100. Officials from my Department, HM Treasury, HMRC, Cabinet Office and the Department for Work and Pensions also attend.

The purpose of the group is to discuss ways to limit the judgment’s impact on business. This encompasses both issues relating to backpay and management of future workforce planning.

The Department has set no fixed date for conclusion of the Taskforce’s work. Managing matters relating to holiday pay is an ongoing issue and we will be happy to continue this engagement with business organisations for as long as necessary.