Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what steps he is taking to discourage employers from cutting staff benefits on the grounds that implementing the national living wage compels them to do so.

It is for employers to decide how to manage increases in their wage bill. Many employers will be giving their staff a pay rise and maintaining other benefits.

Employers need to ensure their pay and reward packages are competitive to retain and develop the people and talent they need for their business.

Employers should be planning ahead, taking steps to boost their productivity and maintain an effective workforce. In every case they must pay at least the statutory National Living Wage, or the National Minimum Wage for workers aged under 25.