Oral Answers to Questions

Rachael Maskell Excerpts

Monday 4th September 2023 Commons Chamber

[Guy Opperman]

I visited North Devon in April to meet my hon. Friend and discuss those issues. She has my full support and that of the Department in her work to ensure that we address those problems. Clearly, those matters are being addressed on an ongoing basis by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, but I can assure her that she has my full support.

[Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op)]

22. What steps his Department is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help reduce sickness absences in the workplace.

[The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mel Stride)]

Sickness, and supporting those who are sick in the workplace, is an important focus for the Department, which is why we are consulting on occupational health and ensuring that more businesses take it up as something to offer their employees.

[Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op)]

Seventeen million working days are lost every year because of negative workplace cultures and staff wellbeing. That is partly down to bullying, which is prevalent across many workplaces. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to consider workplace cultures, particularly bullying at work, and will he meet me to discuss my bullying and respect at work Bill, which would put a recourse into law?

[Mel Stride]

Like the hon. Lady, I and my ministerial colleagues take bullying in the workplace extremely seriously. There is no place for that in our country. I would be very happy for her to have a meeting with the relevant DWP Minister.