Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Cat Smith and Tom Pursglove

Monday 19th June 2023 Commons Chamber

[Cat Smith (Lancaster and Fleetwood) (Lab)]

Why is statutory sick pay in this country so much lower than European comparators?

[Tom Pursglove]

I would be happy to meet the hon. Lady to discuss the issue of statutory sick pay, and, of course, we always keep these matters under review.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Cat Smith and Tom Pursglove

Monday 5th December 2022 Commons Chamber

[Tom Pursglove]

I am hugely grateful to my hon. Friend, who is of course a distinguished former Minister for disabled people and whose views on these matters I listen to incredibly carefully. We announced in “Shaping future support: the health and disability green paper” that we will test a new severe disability group, so that those with severe and lifelong conditions can benefit from a simplified process to access PIP, employment and support allowance and universal credit without needing to go through a face-to-face assessment or frequent reassessments. We will consider the test results, once they are complete, to influence thinking on the next stages of this work.

[Cat Smith (Lancaster and Fleetwood) (Lab)]

18. What steps his Department is taking to support pensioners with increases in the cost of living.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Cat Smith and Tom Pursglove

Monday 18th October 2021 Commons Chamber

[Tom Pursglove]

I thank my hon. Friend for his question. As I say, we have been responsive to the needs that have arisen in our economy. We have been engaging with the various sectors that have come forward to raise concerns. For example, there is a commitment to supporting visas for 4,700 HGV food drivers, up to 5,500 poultry workers and 300 fuel drivers. I think the key thing now is that those industries that sought that extra support and that flexibility through visas now get on and recruit to those roles.

[Cat Smith (Lancaster and Fleetwood) (Lab)]

11. What steps her Department is taking to tackle online fraud and scams.