Asked by: Alison Griffiths (Conservative - Bognor Regis and Littlehampton)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions he has had with business representatives on the feasibility of the commencement dates set out in the Employment Rights Bill implementation roadmap.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
We have listened to and incorporated views from business, trade unions, and others in our timings to make sure implementation works for workers and employers alike. We have collaborated directly with over 190 stakeholders, working in partnership to deliver on our Plan. We have also worked closely with delivery partners such as Acas, to determine onward steps needed to implement the measures in the Bill. We will ensure employers, workers, trade unions and other stakeholders are given time to prepare for change.
Asked by: Alison Griffiths (Conservative - Bognor Regis and Littlehampton)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what resources her Department provides to employers to help them meet compliance obligations during each stage of the Employment Rights Bill roadmap’s implementation.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Government will continue working with businesses and trade unions throughout policy development and subsequent delivery. The timelines in our Roadmap have been carefully considered to ensure implementation works for workers and businesses of all sizes, and in all sectors. We understand that adjusting to these new reforms will take time and we are committed to ensuring that all stakeholders receive appropriate time to prepare for these changes ahead of their commencement. We will continue to work hard, including with Acas and other delivery partners to provide guidance and support so that employers aren’t left in the dark. This is the work of years, not months, and businesses will have lots of time to prepare for the changes.
Asked by: Alison Griffiths (Conservative - Bognor Regis and Littlehampton)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether the Employment Rights Bill roadmap includes contingency measures if key stakeholders report insufficient capacity to meet implementation requirements.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Government will continue working with businesses and trade unions throughout policy development and subsequent delivery. The timelines in our Roadmap have been carefully considered to ensure implementation works for workers and businesses of all sizes, and in all sectors. We understand that adjusting to these new reforms will take time and we are committed to ensuring that all stakeholders receive appropriate time to prepare for these changes ahead of their commencement. We will continue to work hard, including with Acas and other delivery partners to provide guidance and support so that employers aren’t left in the dark. This is the work of years, not months, and businesses will have lots of time to prepare for the changes.
Asked by: Alison Griffiths (Conservative - Bognor Regis and Littlehampton)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the measures scheduled for implementation in the Employment Rights Bill on businesses in (a) 2026 and (b) 2027.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
My department has published a set of Impact Assessments that provide a comprehensive analysis on the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill, including on businesses. This analysis is available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments
This represents the best estimate for the likely impacts given the current stage of policy development. We are refining our analysis as policy development continues, working closely with external experts, businesses and trade unions.
Asked by: Alison Griffiths (Conservative - Bognor Regis and Littlehampton)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what criteria will be used to evaluate the phased implementation approach outlined in the Employment Rights Bill roadmap.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
Our phased approach to implementation provides clarity and time to prepare, while raising standards across the board—creating a level playing field, improving staff retention, leading to a happier, more secure and productive workforce.
The Government's Impact Assessments outline plans for monitoring and evaluating the impact of the Bill and subsequent secondary legislation. This will allow us to evaluate the effectiveness of the Bill’s measures in achieving its stated objectives and influence future policy making. It is important to note that many of the final impacts will depend on further policy decisions that are for secondary legislation.
Asked by: Alison Griffiths (Conservative - Bognor Regis and Littlehampton)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, on what dates (a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department have met with their United States counterparts since 5 November 2024.
Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
The Department for Business and Trade holds regular engagement with US counterparts at both Ministerial and official level.
Asked by: Alison Griffiths (Conservative - Bognor Regis and Littlehampton)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, when he plans to provide an Answer to Question 26782 tabled by the hon. Member for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton on 27 January 2025.
Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
I refer the hon. Member for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton to the answer I gave on the 24th of February, UIN 26782.
Asked by: Alison Griffiths (Conservative - Bognor Regis and Littlehampton)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of (a) the adequacy of the level of UK car production and (b) the impact of that industry on the economy.
Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The UK’s automotive manufacturing industry directly supports over 150,000 jobs and contributed £21.0 billion in gross value added to the economy in 2024.
It plays a crucial role in driving innovation, advancing net-zero goals, and fostering economic growth. In value added terms, the UK has the second-largest car manufacturing industry in Europe. While production dipped last year due to planned upgrades and weaker global demand compared to 2023, the government remains confident in and committed to the sector. The Autumn Budget included a £2 billion commitment for the sector. Recently a £50 million investment deal was secured with JATCO and Nissan to establish a new manufacturing site in Sunderland, JATCO’s first site in Europe.
Asked by: Alison Griffiths (Conservative - Bognor Regis and Littlehampton)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what meetings the Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets has had with Doug Gurr since 4 July 2024.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
Details of ministerial meetings are routinely published on Gov.uk.
Asked by: Alison Griffiths (Conservative - Bognor Regis and Littlehampton)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what meetings the Minister for Industry has had with Doug Gurr since 4 July 2024.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
Details of ministerial meetings are routinely published on Gov.uk.