Asked by: Lord Laming (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to introduce amendments to the Employment Rights Bill to clarify that foster carers are not employees.
Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
I pay tribute to the vital efforts of foster carers, who carry out a challenging role that requires skill, dedication and love. The government will ensure more children can receive loving care in foster families.
We will work with councils and fostering services to ensure foster carers receive the support they need and deserve. However, there are no plans to use the Employment Rights Bill to legislate on the employment status of foster carers.
My officials are working closely with officials from the Department for Education on how best to support foster carers.