Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plan he has to hold discussions with (a) employers and (b) employees on their (i) concerns and (ii) ideas on (A) recovery and (B) support for businesses as the covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has heard the views of individuals from large businesses, entrepreneurial companies, venture capitalists, trade bodies, academia and the third sector in a series of recent meetings. These were organised around five themes: green recovery; increasing opportunity; backing new businesses; the future of industry; and the UK open for business. This is part of an intensive programme of engagement to inform the Government’s approach to economic recovery. The department will continue to engage with stakeholders across all sectors as it works towards a clean, resilient recovery, shaping recovery and business support policy to reflect the needs of employers and employees.