Poundland

Debate between Lord Leong and Lord Harper

Wednesday 4th November 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

I thank my noble friend for that very important point. For a small supplier, one unpaid invoice can mean struggling to pay its monthly payroll. Suppliers need to know when invoices will be paid and on what terms they are being asked to send more stock. I would advise all suppliers to look at the terms of supply and see whether they have a Romalpa clause in the invoice, meaning that the title does not pass until the payment is made. We are pressing Poundland’s owner to explain how Poundland will protect suppliers as well as staff. The Home and Gift Association has an open register where suppliers can record their exposure.

[Lord Harper (Con)]

My Lords, I take the Minister back to the situation that was raised by my noble friend on the Front Bench—the wider trading conditions. In its report ahead of the Budget, the OBR made it clear that unemployment would rise in the next year and that the costs from the Employment Rights Act were very significant. These came on top of the very significant national insurance rises. Those were all factors in pushing up unemployment and all under the control of the Government. What are the Government going to do to improve the wider trading conditions for the retail sector?

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

As I explained earlier, regarding Poundland we need to look at not only national insurance but other employment costs. However, looking at the history of Poundland, there was a restructuring High Court hearing in 2025, at which the court said that Poundland was in financial distress. This has been ongoing for some time. The Government mentioned in the Budget that they are taking every step to support businesses, high streets and small businesses, and we are committed to doing so.

Business Hiring Intentions

Debate between Lord Leong and Lord Harper

Tuesday 3rd November 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

My Lords, we are determined to tackle youth unemployment and look forward to receiving Alan Milburn’s recommendations. In addition, we have committed a further £2.5 billion to the youth guarantee and growth and skills levy, helping nearly 1 million young people aged 16 to 24 move into jobs, education and training. This will create 200,000 jobs, provide £3,000 for youth jobs grants and £2,000 in apprenticeship hiring payments and guarantee jobs for young people claiming universal credit who have been unemployed long term.

[Lord Harper (Con)]

My Lords, I am surprised that the Minister could not answer my noble friend Lord Leigh’s question, because the Chancellor slapped down the Chief Secretary for her ridiculous comments, and I am glad that he did. The Minister gave a good answer to the question from the noble Lord, Lord Spellar, about how to deal with the 1 million young people out of work. How does he think importing up to 80,000 young people from the European Union under the youth mobility scheme will help British young people get into work?

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

Settlement is based on contribution, not just on time served, as it was under the last Government. We have cut net migration to 82% below its peak under the last Government. We will not leave young British people behind, which is why we are investing an additional £2.5 billion, as I said in my previous answer, to support almost 1 million young people into education, employment and training.