Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Return to Work

Thursday 23 January 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department supports older workers through the Fuller Working Lives strategy and by appointing a business champion for older workers to assist with retention, retraining, and recruitment in the labour market.
  • Yes, childcare is a vital part of the Government's programme. The workplace should be welcoming and supporting parents with childcare helps harness their talents and unleash their potential.
  • The Minister has consulted on the use of non-disclosure agreements and is committed to legislating in due course. The Under-Secretary for Work and Pensions, Mims Davies, will take further legislative action.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Vicky Ford Con North East Cambridgeshire
Employment Women & Equalities
Context

The Government funds programmes to support people returning to work post-career breaks in various sectors.

Question

What steps is the Department taking to assist women who want to start new careers or get different opportunities when they return to work, especially those aged 50-64?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

The Department supports older workers through the Fuller Working Lives strategy and by appointing a business champion for older workers to assist with retention, retraining, and recruitment in the labour market.

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Q2 Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth
Employment Women & Equalities Children & Families
Context

The Government has various programmes supporting workers returning from career breaks, including careers in health, policing, legal services.

Question

Will the Government's commitment to infrastructure investment include support for social infrastructure such as childcare?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

Yes, childcare is a vital part of the Government's programme. The workplace should be welcoming and supporting parents with childcare helps harness their talents and unleash their potential.

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Q3 Maria Miller Con Basingstoke
Women & Equalities
Context

Some women experience unwanted career breaks due to pregnancy or early motherhood, sometimes covered by non-disclosure agreements.

Question

What actions is the Minister taking to ensure that non-disclosure agreements are not used to cover up unlawful behaviour like pregnancy discrimination?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

The Minister has consulted on the use of non-disclosure agreements and is committed to legislating in due course. The Under-Secretary for Work and Pensions, Mims Davies, will take further legislative action.

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