Asked by: Mary Glindon (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to increase foreign direct investment in the (a) UK and (b) North East.
Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Growth is the government’s central economic mission and we are currently developing an Industrial Strategy which aims to drive growth across the UK through investment in key sectors and regions. We are also hosting the International Investment Summit in October, to bring together global investors and regional leaders to advance opportunities for investment and growth across the country. Additional measures to improve the business environment and increase investment into the UK will be announced at the summit.
For the North East specifically, we will support delivery of the North East Mayoral Combined Authority’s Local Growth Plan. We will continue showcasing investment opportunities across the North East to potential investors, and provide account management services for investors already in the region to help them build and scale.
Asked by: Mary Glindon (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to help increase labour productivity in the North East.
Answered by Gareth Thomas - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
Labour productivity in the UK has stagnated over the past fourteen years. It is essential that we act decisively to change this in all nations and regions, including in the North East of England.
We are currently working closely with both the North East and Tees Valley Combined Authorities as they develop their Local Growth Plans, to identify their highest-potential sectors and growth priorities.
This will enable a focus on the North East's economic strengths, make the most of mayoral leadership and help create the best conditions for lasting change, driving up labour productivity and growth.
Asked by: Mary Glindon (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will take steps with Cabinet colleagues to give worker status to foster carers.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
As set out in our Plan to Make Work Pay, we will consult on a simpler two-tier employment status framework that differentiates between workers and the genuinely self-employed. We will confirm plans for this in due course.
I pay tribute to the vital efforts of foster carers, who carry out a challenging role that requires skill, dedication and love. This government will ensure more children can receive loving care in foster families.
We will work with councils and fostering services to ensure foster carers receive the support they need and deserve, but there are no plans to give worker status to foster carers.
Asked by: Mary Glindon (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how his proposed review into the implementation of unpaid carers' leave is to be conducted; and whether the review will be published.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Government made a commitment to review carer’s leave in the Plan to Make Work Pay. We will provide an update on progress in this area in due course.
The Plan to Make Work Pay also includes a number of measures which will help unpaid carers workers to enter, remain and progress in work - including making flexible working the default and introducing a right to switch off.
Asked by: Mary Glindon (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he plans to maintain zero-hours contracts for people who prefer these to other employment options.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
As outlined in our Plan to Make Work Pay, we will end exploitative zero hours contracts by giving workers the right to a contract that reflects the number of hours they regularly work. We will also introduce a new right to reasonable notice of shifts, with compensation for shifts cancelled or curtailed at short notice.
We appreciate that zero hours contracts work well for some people. Those who are offered guaranteed hours will be able to remain on zero hours contracts if they wish. However we are committed to ending one-sided flexibility, and ensuring that if workers are not benefitting from the flexibility these contracts offer, they have a right to an alternative.