Workforce: Trades Union Congress

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath Excerpts
Wednesday 19th October 2022

(2 years ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Callanan Portrait Lord Callanan (Con)
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I followed the previous exchanges with interest and fully endorse the noble Lord’s job application.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath Portrait Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (Lab)
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My Lords, the Minister made comments about the number of trade unionists. Many members of staff in the health service are members of trade unions. We have a situation where there is no funded workforce plan for the NHS, and we are importing doctors and nurses from many developing countries to make up in the shortfalls in this country. Is that not a priority for the Government to talk to trade unions about?

Lord Callanan Portrait Lord Callanan (Con)
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I am sure that my health department colleagues engage regularly with the trade unions. As the noble Lord says, the membership of trade unions is higher in many public services. I am sure that these contacts are ongoing.