Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what recent representations he has received about ensuring the presence of workforce representatives on Board of Directors of companies.

I have received no recent representations about ensuring the presence of workforce representatives on Board of Directors of companies. Giving employees both a meaningful stake and a ‘voice’ in the business can lead to growth and productivity benefits. While what is right will vary from business to business, I therefore encourage employee ownership. Guidance, model documents and links to further expert advice for businesses and employees considering a move to employee ownership, are at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employee-ownership-company-model-documentation

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employee-ownership-guide-for-employees

Research also suggests a link between employee engagement and enhanced employee wellbeing. Initiatives such as Engage for Success (http://www.engageforsuccess.org/) support employers to bring these practices into their workplaces.