Employment and Trade Union Rights (Dismissal and Re-engagement) Bill

Debate between Barry Gardiner and Joy Morrissey

2nd reading
Friday 22nd October 2021 Commons Chamber

[Barry Gardiner]

My hon. Friend makes a very significant wider point about the productivity and the relative productivity of the UK. I think that is a matter of very deep concern to Members across the House.

[Joy Morrissey (Beaconsfield) (Con)]

Will the hon. Gentleman give way?

[Barry Gardiner]

I saw that the hon. Lady wanted to intervene on the intervention, but now she can intervene on that substantive. Please.

[Joy Morrissey]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for giving way. On the point made by the hon. Member for Swansea West (Geraint Davies), German productivity is high but that is because they cross-train and upskill their workers across different fields. That is why we are investing heavily in skills and uptraining for the future. [Interruption.]

[Barry Gardiner]

The hon. Lady’s point was somewhat drowned out on the Labour Benches, but I think it was by people who were agreeing about the importance of training and skills.