Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Supporting Employment After Covid-19

Monday 29 June 2020 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Huw Merriman questioned the government about steps to ensure fair treatment of workers during restructuring and layoffs, citing British Airways as an example.
  • Seema Malhotra inquired why the DWP was withholding details about its emergency contingency plans and asked if the DWP would collaborate on a back-to-work budget.
  • The Minister stated they are not withholding details and clarified that the DWP is working with other Departments to help people find new jobs in both public and private sectors.

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Huw Merriman Con Bexhill and Battle
Employment
Context

The MP is concerned about job losses in the aviation sector, specifically mentioning British Airways' plans for large-scale redundancies.

Question

What steps will be taken to ensure that employers treat their workforce fairly during this period of restructuring and layoffs, especially in light of British Airways firing and rehiring its staff?

Answer from Therese Coffey (Secretary of State for Work and Pensions)

We are concerned about how some companies treat their workforce and we are looking into it. The furlough scheme has helped keep over 9 million employees connected to their jobs, but companies should not misuse it.

Answered
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Q2 Seema Malhotra Labour (Co-op) Thornton Moor
Economy Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP references a Select Committee report suggesting that the Government has not provided reasons for its refusal to share its economic downturn plan, which could help local partnerships prepare for upcoming challenges.

Question

Why is the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) withholding details about its emergency contingency plans? Will the DWP work with other Departments on a back-to-work budget?

Answer from Therese Coffey

I am not withholding details; there is confusion between the emergency contingency plan, an operational document prepared by all Departments, and broader economic planning. I assure that we are working with other Ministers to help people secure new jobs created in both public and private sectors.

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