Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Ronnie Campbell Excerpts
Thursday 5th December 2013

(10 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Jo Swinson Portrait Jo Swinson
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I happily offer those congratulations, and I add to them my congratulations to my hon. Friend for the unfailing way in which he has championed apprenticeships, not just in his constituency, but in this House by encouraging many Members to take on apprentices in their offices. It is important to ensure that young people have such opportunities. That is why the Government have invested significantly in expanding apprenticeships so much.

Ronnie Campbell Portrait Mr Ronnie Campbell (Blyth Valley) (Lab)
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Does the Minister accept that companies such as Wetherspoon, which will open shortly in my constituency, are taking on young people on zero-hours contracts?

Jo Swinson Portrait Jo Swinson
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The hon. Gentleman is right that many workers are employed on zero-hours contracts. In some cases those can work well, but in other cases there are concerns about abuse. That is why the Department has undertaken a fact-finding exercise, and we will shortly launch a consultation on what action can be taken to ensure that such contracts are not abused.