Asked by: Peter Lamb (Labour - Crawley)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to consult with business to bring forward a comprehensive workforce strategy.
Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The government’s Modern Industrial Strategy outlined our commitment to provide £1.2 billion of additional investment per year in skills by 2028-29 and set out plans to deliver more opportunities for people at all stages of life to learn and earn in our high-growth sectors. The government has since published the Post-16 Education & Skills White Paper, driven forward our Plan to Make Work Pay, and set out additional support for young people through the Youth Guarantee. We are working with business to develop sector Jobs Plans for all growth-driving sectors identified by the Industrial Strategy. The first Jobs Plan, the Clean Energy Jobs Plan, was published last year.
Asked by: Peter Lamb (Labour - Crawley)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department will take to support businesses, especially small business, in complying with the Employment Rights Act, to ensure enforcement of the new framework.
Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Employment Rights Act 2025 is being implemented in phases over a two-year period to give businesses, and in particular small businesses, time to plan and prepare.
We are providing support and guidance to help businesses get ready. We have launched a dedicated website offering practical guidance on what the changes mean and how to comply, alongside wider communication, engagement and educational activity to raise awareness. We will continue to consult with businesses, trade unions and civil society throughout implementation to make sure we get the detail right.
Asked by: Peter Lamb (Labour - Crawley)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to build on the tripartite discussions on the unfair dismissal provisions in the Employment Rights Act; and whether he is going to hold further discussions with business and trade unions.
Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Department for Business and Trade has engaged with business representative organisations and trade unions on the measures within the Employment Rights Act (ERA) 2025, including through tripartite discussions. These discussions have successfully supported policy development in areas such as unfair dismissal.
The government will continue to engage with stakeholders, including businesses and trade unions, as it takes forward the implementation of the ERA.
Asked by: Peter Lamb (Labour - Crawley)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the Licensing Reform Programme's call for evidence, what recent assessment his Department has made of the effect on society of rapid alcohol delivery services.
Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Licensing Act 2003 regulates the sale and supply of alcohol for consumption within licensed venues (on-trade) and outside of licensed venues (off-trade), which is the responsibility of the Home Office.
The Licensing Reform Programme’s call for evidence focused on the operation of the on‑trade, and the National Licensing Policy Framework applies exclusively to premises authorised under the Licensing Act 2003 for the sale and consumption of alcohol on-site, regulated entertainment or late‑night refreshment.
Under the Licensing Act 2003, it is already an offence to sell alcohol to someone who is intoxicated. The Home Office is looking at how current licensing rules apply to home alcohol delivery services and speaking to experts and stakeholders to ensure these are effective.
Although the evidence base is still emerging, the Government is aware there are some concerns that rapid online alcohol delivery may be contributing to increased alcohol harm by significantly expanding availability and ease of access. Faster delivery times can reduce the natural friction that moderates consumption, potentially enabling higher risk and more impulsive drinking, including among vulnerable groups. The Government is committed to ensuring that the licencing regime remains fit for purpose and able to meet emerging challenges.
Asked by: Peter Lamb (Labour - Crawley)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he plans to produce an implementation plan to support (a) employers and (b) the wider enforcement system with the implementation of Employment Rights Bill provisions.
Answered by Justin Madders
The Government will consult extensively on the implementation of the legislation to ensure it works for workers and employers alike, and anticipates this meaning the majority of reforms will take effect no earlier than 2026. Our forthcoming Employment Rights Bill Implementation Roadmap will set out further detail on our plans. The Roadmap will support businesses and other stakeholders to adapt to changes ahead of their commencement.