Oral Answers to Questions

Martyn Day Excerpts

Tuesday 30th April 2019 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Stephenson]

I will of course join my hon. Friend in congratulating those involved in the opening of the new UK Hydrographic Office headquarters in her constituency. It is a world-class natural asset. The UKHO is working with local partners to scope the feasibility of developing a marine geospatial innovation centre in Taunton, and it plays a key role in the south-west’s local industrial strategy.

[Martyn Day (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (SNP)]

15. What plans he has to hold discussions with trades union representatives on increasing workers’ rights.

[The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Greg Clark)]

Informed by my regular discussions with trade unions, we have extended worker rights, and both Houses agreed last month to close the Swedish derogation loophole to protect agency workers. On 1 April, we celebrated with union representatives the 20th anniversary of the national minimum wage. The day was marked by the rise in the national living wage, which has delivered the fastest pay rise for the lowest paid in at least 20 years, benefiting nearly 1.8 million workers.

[Martyn Day]

The Scottish Trades Union Congress general secretary, Grahame Smith, has said that the Scottish Government’s

“Fair Work Action Plan demonstrates a commitment to using the powers the Government has at its disposal to deliver Fair Work, which is good for workers and good for business.”

Will the Secretary of State do his bit by introducing a real living wage? If not, will he devolve the policy so that the Scottish Government can?

[Greg Clark]

What the hon. Gentleman did not mention is that this Government introduced the national living wage, and we have just increased it to its highest-ever level, benefiting millions of people around the country. I would have thought that he would welcome that.