Employment Law Devolution 2023-11-29
2023-11-29
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is questioning whether there are plans to devolve employment law from the UK Parliament to the Scottish Government.
If he will have discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of devolving employment law to the Scottish Government.
The UK Government have no intention of devolving legislative competence for employment rights to the Scottish Parliament. Employers and employees benefit hugely from a single, simple system where employment rights are the same across Great Britain, whether in Derby or Dundee. We do not see any benefit from changing that arrangement.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is pressing further on the issue of devolution, highlighting support from various organisations and arguing that it would benefit workers.
Devolution of employment law is supported by the Scottish Trades Union Congress, the Trades Union Congress, workers' rights groups, a majority in the Scottish Parliament and the public. It would benefit workers by having their Governments compete to give them better rights and preventing a race to the bottom. What is not to like? Why will the Secretary of State's Government not consider it?
I refer the hon. Gentleman to my original answer. We believe it is right to have a simple system that works across the United Kingdom, whether one is in Derby or Dundee.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for reconsideration despite support but the Secretary of State did not address this specifically and repeated his original stance.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the potential regulatory burden and loss of a unified tribunal system if employment laws were to be devolved.
Does the Secretary of State agree that to have different employment laws either side of the border of the two nations would be a mistake, because it would increase the regulatory burden on companies and deprive British companies of our excellent tribunal system?
I completely agree with my right hon. and learned Friend, who absolutely makes the right arguments.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy