Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether the Government is taking steps to encourage UK retailers to audit their supply chains on a continuous basis to ensure that workers in those supply chains are (a) paid a living wage and (b) work in a safe environment.

This Government is committed to building an economy that works for everyone. Through the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and the National Living Wage (NLW) the Government protects the lowest paid within our society. On 1 April 2023, the National Living Wage increased 9.7% to £10.42 from £9.50 an hour. The Government takes reports of serious labour exploitation and illegal working practices very seriously, and regularly engage on these issues.