Seasonal Work 2025-12-10

He criticises the Government's recent announcement of a tourism tax, citing an earlier statement by a Labour Minister that taxes were high enough.

She argues against the perception that businesses will absorb higher taxes rather than passing them on to customers, leading to fewer sales and job losses.

He mentions a publican in his constituency who has had to lay off staff due to increased taxes despite the Chancellor's earlier promises of no new taxes.

He suggests that the Government relieve smaller businesses and high street businesses from business rates to help them survive economic pressures.

She highlights positive measures in the Budget for small high-street businesses, such as permanent reductions in business rates and leveling the playing field with online giants. She questions how the opposition plans to fund their proposals.

He discusses the challenges faced by Northern Ireland's agrifood sector due to burdensome licensing processes and regulatory pressures, reinforcing the debate's focus on multiple sectors being hit.

He questions whether recent Labour policies contributed to the closure of licensed premises in 2023. Nigel Huddleston attributes these closures primarily to the pandemic and notes government spending aimed at recovery.

He questions the relevance of having business experience in running a successful political career, emphasising that MPs bring diverse experiences from their constituencies.

He contrasts British and American leadership, noting that the latter includes individuals with business experience while questioning Labour's lack of such experience in government.

He asks Nigel Huddleston about personal experiences of working in low-paid, insecure jobs and raising a family, emphasising the importance of these voices being heard.

Labour MP Antonia Bance challenged Huddleston, asking about the number of zero-hours contract workers he had spoken to. She highlighted the importance of public services in creating wealth.

John Slinger questioned whether wealth is created exclusively by business people and entrepreneurs or also by public services and infrastructure, which need funding.

Dr Luke Evans pointed out that 257,000 Brits have left the country due to implications of not being able to find employment, particularly affecting young people.

Robertson asked if it was socialism or incompetence for the Government to introduce subsidies to create jobs despite high welfare costs and taxed tourism industry.

Thomas highlighted that a typical pub in his constituency is paying around £2,500 more per month than 12 months ago, putting pressure on small businesses to clear costs.

Hudson congratulated a local kebab shop and advocated for scrapping business rates to support high streets and hospitality businesses.

Murrison noted that the Budget had been damaging to high streets, highlighting issues with exemptions from business rates leading to negative consequences for listed and unoccupied premises.

Argues that Labour believes in Government-created jobs while Conservatives believe individuals create jobs through companies. Points out the difference between those with business experience and HR departments versus those managing smaller businesses.

Discusses fundamental differences in economic philosophy between Conservative and Labour Members, emphasising personal responsibility, low tax, small government, and being pro-business. Acknowledges the impact of national insurance increases on hospitality industries and criticises the Government's approach to employment.

Highlights high youth unemployment in Northern Ireland and asks whether the Budget hampers young people's employment prospects in hospitality or tourism. Nigel Huddleston agrees, stressing the government's disconnect with economic reality.

Points out that under Conservative governance, Stoke-on-Trent had one of the highest levels of NEETs. Argues for equitable economic growth and criticises the Government's current policies.

Shares a local example where a café owner decided not to hire young workers due to business rate increases, linking this directly to government policy.

Agrees with Nigel Huddleston that the lack of confidence in the Government's economic policies is harmful and difficult to reverse. Urges significant change for improved economic activity.

Challenges Nigel Huddleston on Labour's support for small businesses, questioning specific policy points related to business rates relief, late payments, regulatory burdens, and access to finance. Requests concrete examples of major business organisations supporting government policies.

The Member describes the dire situation of a toy shop in Herne Bay, which is struggling with empty premises and low sales. He highlights that the hospitality industry is on its knees, citing a recent roundtable where businesses expressed serious financial difficulties, including one chain of cafés making only £12 profit over 12 months. He attributes these issues to Government policies.

Responding to criticism about the impact on small businesses, Blair McDougall emphasises that Labour is taking action to improve living standards and put more money into people's pockets. He acknowledges the hardship faced by businesses but argues that this was exacerbated by previous policies under a different administration. The government has introduced a strategy for small businesses and is implementing measures such as fiscal credibility and cost reduction initiatives.

The Member questions the effectiveness of Government strategies, particularly in light of increased business rates that will burden local pubs with higher costs over the next decade. He argues that these measures are detrimental to small businesses' ability to sustain operations.

The Member seeks further details on how red tape and regulatory burdens will be reduced, citing examples from her constituency where businesses feel constrained by bureaucracy. She calls for clearer plans on how the government intends to support these issues.

The Member raises concerns about the impact of business rates reforms, citing an example from her constituency where a local pub owner faces significantly higher monthly costs. She argues that these changes do not align with the government's promise to support businesses.

The Member criticises the government for its spending choices, arguing that decisions made earlier this year have put the hospitality sector in a difficult position. He suggests that alternative financial planning would have been more beneficial to businesses.

The Member highlights the impact of austerity measures on healthcare and their effect on workers' ability to earn money due to long waiting times for medical services. He supports the government's choice to invest in the NHS, which he believes will help improve business sustainability.

The Member expresses gratitude for Ramsgate benefiting from Pride in Place funding and asks about support for seasonal workers through measures such as increases to minimum wage, cuts to energy bills, and freezes on bus and train fares.

The Minister's proposal lacks clarity and does not build on successful initiatives like the future high streets fund. He questions why pubs and restaurants are putting up signs saying “No Labour MPs” in response to recent political climate.

The Employment Rights Bill could be seen as a step backward for workers' rights, especially compared to the positive impacts of previous minimum wage increases under Labour. The Minister is not addressing the concerns about job insecurity and low wages.

The Conservative party initially opposed the introduction of the minimum wage but later implemented it when in power. However, they divided the minimum wage for different age groups, leading to current inequalities.

Conservatives believe that a higher minimum wage can put people out of work, especially young people. There has been a 31% increase in youth unemployment in her constituency over the past year.

Liberal Democrats are concerned about the impact of the Employment Rights Bill on small businesses, particularly those in hospitality and tourism sectors. The party supports a 5% VAT cut for these businesses to help them navigate current economic challenges.

Tourism is vital to the economy of West Dorset, especially during peak seasons when there's a significant demand for seasonal workers. The Government should consider lowering VAT rates to support hospitality businesses facing financial difficulties.

The Liberal Democrats propose a complete overhaul of business rates, welcome steps to support apprenticeships but argue it is not enough. They highlight the negative impacts of Brexit on small businesses and advocate for closer trading relationships with the EU.

Welcomed the announcement about free apprenticeship training, but expressed caution over whether there will be sufficient business growth to create high-skilled jobs. Supports measures for youth employment and training.

Defended the Government's stance on Brexit and the EU customs union, arguing that a new customs union is not feasible due to direct negotiations with the EU. Suggested piecemeal agreements are more practical.

Suggests that recent trade agreements and sanitary and phytosanitary agreements will make significant improvements in exporting, taking a view that progress is being made gradually.

Asked about the future of jobs with a customs union. Highlighted the importance of looking to Europe for trade partnerships and questioned whether current US agreements are reliable for long-term economic stability.

Supports Stainbank's argument on Labour’s commitment to young people, noting that an 18 to 20-year-old will earn £1.40 more per hour this Christmas due to recent changes.

Questions the impact of the Employment Rights Bill and mentions job losses in hospitality over the last year, raising concerns about youth unemployment and seasonal jobs decline.

Offers a brief intervention but does not provide extensive position due to time constraints.

Commends Euan Stainbank for highlighting personal experiences in hospitality and supports Labour's efforts to raise minimum wages. Criticises Opposition plans to scrap workers' rights, emphasising the benefits of Employment Rights Bill which secures statutory sick pay for low-paid workers and day one rights on paternity leave. Highlights importance of fair work practices for care workers.

Questions Anna Dixon's confidence in the Chancellor’s policies, asking her to predict a specific month and year when unemployment will decrease under current government initiatives. Acknowledges investment and support for businesses but criticises high vacancy rates in care work due to poor pay and conditions compared to retail jobs.

Comments on the Prime Minister's amendment regarding a policy paper, focusing on supporting measures that ensure fair treatment for workers in the tourism and hospitality sector. Emphasises the importance of addressing issues such as zero-hour contracts and ensuring job security.

The Employment Rights Bill will not help seasonal workers because it fails to address the underlying issues such as high business rates, VAT, and employer national insurance. The bill does nothing practical for businesses or their employees.

Expressed appreciation for the pub mentioned by Simon Hoare in his constituency of North Dorset and discussed the importance of pubs as community assets.

Not directly quoted, but referenced positively by Simon Hoare who highlighted his speech about harmful decisions taken in the recent Budget that were not of the Government's choosing.

Acknowledged a pub mentioned by Simon Hoare as a good one, demonstrating local community support.

Replicated points made by Mark Fulton but added that rural pubs in tourist areas are particularly reliant on seasonal summer trade while competitors like Airbnb pay no business rates at all.

Supported the Government's announcement of construction technical excellence colleges and sustainable housebuilding initiatives but questioned their immediate impact compared to current needs.

The Bill will exacerbate the challenges faced by businesses, particularly in Hinckley and Bosworth. Dr Evans criticises the Government's policies for their negative impact on local high street businesses, citing a 15% increase in business rates relief cut to 40%, leading to potential closures of cafés, restaurants, shops, and pubs. He emphasises that without economic growth, public services like the NHS cannot be funded adequately.

Challenges Dr Evans on productivity under Conservative rule, highlighting stagnation in the G7 during 14 years of Tory leadership. She questions whether his policies helped or hindered businesses and their employees.

Defends previous Conservative government's economic policies, pointing out the need to deal with a financial crisis and borrowing £158 billion. He argues that Labour's current Budgets are overly burdensome on businesses, leading to inflation, unemployment, and stagnation.

Supports Dr Evans' concerns about the risk-benefit equation evaporating for employers due to increased costs. She emphasises that when risk becomes too high, jobs suffer in communities.

Challenges Dr Evans on balancing employer and employee risks, arguing employees also take significant personal risks when taking up jobs and need sufficient pay for a dignified life.

Agrees that employers must balance the risk of funding jobs against economic realities, citing potential closures due to increased costs. He emphasises the importance of growth in setting up conditions for job creation.

Points out higher job creation rates under previous Conservative government versus current figures and rising net inflation since July last year, questioning when unemployment might start falling from record lows.

Defends the Government's responsibility to set economic conditions for growth but criticises current measures as anti-growth. He highlights job creation statistics under previous Tory rule versus recent figures.

Supports Employment Rights Bill while expressing concerns about potential pitting of employers against employees due to Government policies affecting local businesses and micro enterprises.

Thanked businesses in Harlow for their contributions and highlighted concerns of local seasonal workers from EU countries. Welcomed measures to support business rates, late payments, regulatory burdens, and the ERB bill implementation. Asked Minister to consider cutting red tape impacting seasonal worker recruitment.

Expressed concerns about Government's impact on small businesses due to rising business rates, energy costs, and national insurance. Highlighted the importance of local independent shops and pubs in communities. Criticised the rise in youth unemployment benefits despite increased employment numbers for young people.

She criticises the Government for failing to support businesses in her constituency, leading to a rise in unemployment and closure of venues. She supports the shadow Chancellor's plans for 100% business rates relief for retail, leisure, and hospitality sectors.

The hon. Member agrees with Dame Caroline Dinenage on the breach of trust from constituents due to misleading statements about business rates. He highlights a specific case in his constituency where businesses are worse off despite promises.

My hon. Friend agrees that the changes to business rates will leave grassroots music venues and other small businesses worse off, contrary to Government assurances. He supports his colleague's arguments regarding the negative impact of recent policy changes.

The hon. Member welcomes a new restaurant opening in her constituency and acknowledges support for local businesses such as Chris Birch from Swift Group, who has benefited from solar panel grants and won a Government public procurement contract. She defends the Labour government's economic policies and priorities, emphasising investment in infrastructure, house building, and public services.

The hon. Member acknowledges the need for an increase in the national minimum wage but highlights concerns about employer NICs and business rates, which contribute to employers' financial burdens.

The hon. Lady questions the impact of changes to employer national insurance contributions on GP surgeries, care homes, and children’s hospices, suggesting that these measures are an enormous burden on the NHS despite additional funding from the government.

The hon. Member questions whether the Government's policies will be delivered through higher taxation, leading to less money for employers and potentially hindering job creation and economic growth.

The hon. Friend highlights the importance of apprenticeship guarantees and support in his manufacturing-reliant constituency, referencing successful youth training schemes from previous decades.

The hon. Friend supports the Employment Rights Bill, emphasising that it aims to protect workers against unfair dismissal rather than preventing employers from dismissing staff for fair reasons and following a fair process.

The hon. Member mentioned his personal experiences working as a young man, emphasising the importance of union membership and labour rights.

The absence of certain parties was noted, highlighting the debate's significance on both sides of the argument.

The hon. Member discussed the value and pressures of seasonal work in South East Cornwall, acknowledging efforts to secure better employment rights while maintaining a balance with business growth. She highlighted the importance of supporting workers' wellbeing and protecting them from exploitation.

The hon. Member questioned whether the Government's policies on employment rights were negatively impacting unemployment, particularly among youth.

The hon. Member argued against the Employment Rights Bill, citing examples of businesses struggling due to increased costs like business rates and the impact on seasonal employment opportunities in her constituency.

Tom Gordon asked Alison Griffiths about her views on a potential tourist tax, citing concerns raised by hoteliers in his area regarding its impact on tourism.

Dr Arthur expressed support for the implementation of a tourist tax in Edinburgh, arguing it would help improve local services and drive tourism. He questioned why such taxes are seen as ineffective in English towns.

Sarah Bool highlighted the negative impact of increased National Insurance Contributions on hospitality businesses, leading to higher costs for employers and a potential reduction in hiring seasonal workers. She criticised the Government's approach to working conditions as detrimental to youth employment.

Jerome Mayhew agreed with Sarah Bool, pointing out that the recent increase in National Insurance Contributions disproportionately affects part-time and lower-wage workers, contributing to rising unemployment among young people.

Graham Stuart referenced high regulation and tax policies in France leading to long-term youth unemployment. He emphasised the importance of learning from such examples to avoid similar outcomes in the UK.

Simon Hoare discussed how temporary seasonal jobs provide valuable experience for young people, and expressed concern that reducing these opportunities would limit social mobility.

Tom Hayes questioned the Opposition on their proposed solutions to address public service funding needs while managing national debt. He acknowledged the necessity of welfare reform but sought additional suggestions from Sarah Bool.

The Centre for Policy Studies analysis shows that employing an 18-20-year-old now costs £4,000 more per year due to Government policies, leading employers to make rational decisions not to hire young people.

Research from the Taxpayers’ Alliance shows that pubs pay over £100,000 annually in taxes on alcohol sales alone. The Conservative plan includes abolishing business rates for high street businesses to alleviate this burden.

The inconsistency and unpredictability of Government tax policies prevent businesses from making long-term plans, impacting their ability to grow and create jobs.

There is growing anger among young people who are being shut out of the job market due to Government policies that discourage business growth and investment.

The motion regrets measures introduced by this Government that hit both the economy at large and have a particularly bad impact on businesses dependent on hospitality and tourism. Businesses are suffering from tax hikes, making it harder to operate and hire seasonal workers.

Businesses like Harbour Park would face acute hardship under the Government's employment Bill due to strict scheduling rules that do not account for seasonal fluctuations in demand.

My hon. Friend is making a powerful speech, and he is entirely right about the impact on seasonal workers, but we should always look beyond the producers to the consumers. What will the impact be at music festivals and events around the country? We will see higher prices, less competition and choice.

My constituent Kathy owns a shop in Burnham-on-Sea, which she has run for 20 years. However, the recent changes imposed by the Chancellor are making it harder and harder for her to operate. Increases in the minimum wage and future changes to employment law will force her to stop employing young people.

We have heard from Members across the House who understand that hospitality performs a vital role, providing flexible seasonal work for young people. However, pubs, hotels and restaurants are hurting due to the Chancellor’s choices in last year’s Budget and this year's.

We should listen to small enterprises when they say that it feels like the Government are not on their side. It is no surprise that pub after pub, hostelry after hostelry, is erecting a sign on the door saying, “No Labour MPs here”.

This Government are doing that most terrible of things: preventing young people from getting on the job ladder through their first chance of work. The Government weigh down precisely the sorts of businesses that do such a good job of providing those opportunities, and that is difficult.

To all the challenges and headwinds that have come about because of the Chancellor’s choices, we can add the bed tax, which will increase the cost for anyone holidaying in the UK. It will deter people from enjoying the wonderful vistas of Bognor Regis, Littlehampton or the South Downs.

The hospitality and pub sector is already over-taxed, and my hon. Friend the Member for Bridgwater (Sir Ashley Fox) made the really important point that all the burdens of family businesses fall back on families.

The Employment Rights Bill aims to tackle the issue of one-sided flexibility, allowing workers the right to choose certainty and stability in their contracts. The bill addresses issues such as zero-hours contracts while allowing seasonal work through planned consultations on guaranteed hours for those in fluctuating demand sectors like hospitality and retail. The minister cited a visit to Manchester where an employee benefited from guaranteed hours, illustrating how the legislation will positively impact many people's lives.

Asked the Minister about apologising to those who are unemployed now compared to last year due to unemployment rising under Labour. Critiqued the practicality of guaranteeing hours for seasonal workers whose demand fluctuates.

Responded by mentioning that the Conservative government had a higher average unemployment rate than currently, and committed to consulting on seasonal work. She emphasised the importance of passing Employment Rights Bill for certainty regarding implementation details.

Discussed business rates reform, introducing permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties with rateable values below £500,000 from April next year. Emphasised that the Government is taking steps to reduce burdens on businesses.

Asked about the disappearance of a reference to a 25% cut in administrative burden from the amendment, questioning its importance for small businesses.

Responded by highlighting various investments and steps taken to reduce burdens on businesses. Emphasised the youth guarantee initiative to improve employment rates among young people.