Asked by: Liz Jarvis (Liberal Democrat - Eastleigh)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to monitor levels of disguised employment in the hair and beauty sector.
Answered by Gareth Thomas - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
This Government recognises the immense economic and social value of the hair and beauty industry, and we know it can be difficult for some to understand their tax obligations. We are working with the industry on producing educational material to help businesses remain within the rules, including providing clarity for those using the ‘rent-a-chair’ model which we are due to publish on GOV.UK this month.
We are committed to tackling false self-employment where HMRC will investigate evidence suggesting businesses have misclassified individuals for tax purposes. We are also combatting high street crime, for example the National Crime Agency has been coordinating Operation Machinize, which saw 265 premises visited where officers secured freezing orders over bank accounts totalling more than £1 million.
Asked by: Liz Jarvis (Liberal Democrat - Eastleigh)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether the Trade Strategy will establish animal welfare standards that imports will be required to meet.
Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
I refer the member for Eastleigh to the answer I provided to UIN 20696 on 20th December 2024.
Asked by: Liz Jarvis (Liberal Democrat - Eastleigh)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of fireworks on animal welfare.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
Most people use fireworks in a responsible, safe, and appropriate manner and there are laws in place to address situations where fireworks are misused. The current regulatory framework is designed to support people to enjoy fireworks whilst lowering the risk of dangers and disruption to people, pets, and property.
No assessment has been made of the potential impact of fireworks on animal welfare. To inform any future decisions the Government is engaging with businesses, consumer groups and charities to gather evidence on the issues and impacts of fireworks.