House of Commons · General Debate
04 May 2020 · 4 other contributors
Opened by Guy Opperman Con Hexham
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Guy Opperman raised concerns about pensions in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The Minister is introducing regulations to ensure the continuation of automatic enrolment into workplace pensions for eligible employees in maritime industries. He emphasises that this policy, conceived under a Labour Government and expanded by Conservatives, has transformed workplace savings, with over 10 million people now saving £90 billion annually via auto-enrolment. The Minister also thanks DWP staff for their tireless work during the pandemic.
The Chair of Ways and Means sets out that the debate will include motions related to automatic enrolment regulations. He also enforces time limits for contributions.
The shadow Minister praises DWP staff during the pandemic and welcomes the continuity of auto-enrolment policy initiated by Labour, which has seen 10.2 million people now saving £90 billion annually via auto-enrolment. He acknowledges room for improvement in the current thresholds and highlights the necessity of these statutory instruments to ensure maritime workers are not at risk.
Committed to the importance of ensuring that seafarers and offshore workers continue to quality for auto-enrolment into a workplace pension, especially in challenging times like the ongoing pandemic. Acknowledged the tireless work of public sector staff and commended the key workers who keep society functioning despite harsh conditions. However, he expressed frustration over the exclusion of those earning less than £10,000 from automatic enrolment, advocating for a reduction in this threshold to include lower-paid workers. He also highlighted the struggles faced by offshore industry workers due to job cuts and oil price drops, urging the government to support mechanisms proposed by Oil & Gas UK and provide financial backing for a just transition.
Expressed gratitude towards Stephen Flynn and Jack Dromey for their support on regulations. Acknowledged the difficulties faced in the north-east of Scotland but emphasised government's comprehensive support through schemes like the coronavirus job retention scheme and universal credit enhancements.
Government Response
I am pleased to introduce these instruments, which follow the statement that I laid before the House on 16 March. It is an honour to address the House remotely and I thank DWP staff for their tireless work during the pandemic.
Shadow Response
Jack DromeyWe must constantly broaden the scope of auto-enrolment to take in yet more workers on the one hand and ensure that nobody falls out on the other. To that end, these statutory instruments are necessary; otherwise, the interests of maritime workers and seafarers would be put at risk.