Taylor Review: Working Practices

Michael Tomlinson Excerpts
Tuesday 11th July 2017

(7 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Margot James Portrait Margot James
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The hon. Lady makes an important point, but it is really a matter for the Ministry of Justice. Matthew Taylor has not actually recommended that we get rid of fees for employment tribunals, and I think we should recognise the positive aspect: the upsurge in the number of employment disputes that have been settled through mediation. However, I will continue to look at the issue that the hon. Lady raises.

Michael Tomlinson Portrait Michael Tomlinson (Mid Dorset and North Poole) (Con)
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The report praises and supports flexibility in the labour market, where individuals want it. Does my hon. Friend agree that it may be especially, but not exclusively, beneficial to students and young people?

Margot James Portrait Margot James
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I do agree with my hon. Friend. The figures suggest that nearly 20% of people on zero-hours contracts are students. Such flexibility also benefits many people who have parenting or caring responsibilities and do not want to work full-time. We certainly do not want to end that flexibility but, as I have said, we do want to improve protection.