Living Wage

Lord Ryder of Wensum Excerpts

Thursday 8th November 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

Noble Lords may be surprised to hear that I, with a rural background, do not see it as a town and country matter. We have a national economy and we need to encourage businesses to come to the countryside as, indeed, to urban areas. That will be the route to ensure that the living wage and good employment creation are in all parts of our nation.

[Lord Ryder of Wensum]

My Lords, do the Government adhere to the principle of pricing people into jobs?

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

The Government are determined to ensure that there is a vibrant economy with employment prospects. Clearly, one reason we emphasise the voluntary side—encouraging people to take up the living wage—is precisely to ensure that there is business flexibility. It would clearly be unhelpful for job creation and retention if we were to move from that position.