Asked by: Tim Roca (Labour - Macclesfield)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will extend (a) workplace protections and (b) formal recognition for (i) Mountain Rescue Team members and (ii) other voluntary emergency service personnel to supported them in their duties without detriment to their employment.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Plan to Make Work Pay sets out an ambitious agenda to deliver our Plan for Change by ensuring employment rights are fit for a modern economy, empowering working people and contributing to economic growth.
The Government values the vital work carried out by all volunteers particularly those who respond in emergencies and those who volunteer for public duties.
We are currently reviewing the entitlement to time off for public duties under Section 50 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 to ensure it remains fit for purpose or if any changes or additions need to be made.
Asked by: Tim Roca (Labour - Macclesfield)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of a (a) phased implementation and (b) grace period for the Equality and Human Rights Commission's revised code of practice for services, public functions and associations.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has opened its consultation on the draft updated statutory Code of Practice, seeking views from affected stakeholders.
The Department for Business and Trade has made no assessment at this stage of the potential merits of a (a) phased implementation and (b) grace period for the EHRC’s revised code of practice for services, public functions and associations.
We are sure the EHRC will make a concerted effort to fully explore the practical implications of the judgement and how this may be best reflected in the updated Code.
Asked by: Tim Roca (Labour - Macclesfield)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of the UK joining the pan-Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) convention.
Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
We are looking at ways to reduce barriers to trade and to reset the relationship with our European friends to help drive investment and growth - within our clear manifesto red lines. We are in regular dialogue with industry about the best options for doing this and are open to looking at PEM if that reflects business sentiment and the national interest.
Asked by: Tim Roca (Labour - Macclesfield)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether any arms export licences to Israel are under review other than those already suspended.
Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
All extant licences to Israel are kept under careful and continual review as standard.