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

Mark Pawsey Excerpts

2nd reading
Friday 22nd October 2021 Commons Chamber

[Barry Gardiner]

My hon. Friend makes a very eloquent point, both about the substance and the process. I entirely agree with him.

[Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con)]

The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee took evidence from British Gas Centrica. Its concerns were that its workers were being paid 30% to 50% more than other people in that sector. There was a question about the viability of the business. What the company wanted to do was to increase working hours by two-and-a-half hours per week. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that businesses should have the opportunity to discuss changes in conditions to ensure that as many jobs are retained by businesses continuing to be competitive?

[Barry Gardiner]

The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to say we need to ensure that, from time to time, businesses can cope with the changes that they experience and can restructure appropriately. I think the point my hon. Friend the Member for Brighton, Kemptown (Lloyd Russell-Moyle) was making is that, when they seek do that, it should be done through a proper process of consultation and negotiation, and not holding the sword of Damocles over the heads of their workers.