Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Sectoral Collective Bargaining

Thursday 31 October 2024 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government has plans to extend sectoral collective bargaining practices beyond adult social care.
  • The government responds that trade unions face different challenges in various sectors.
  • The government states the cost of improving working conditions in adult social care is a small price for overall benefits.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ian Lavery Lab Blyth and Ashington
Social Care Employment
Context

Experts argue that sectoral bargaining is beneficial for both employees and employers. The Labour Government introduced the Employment Rights Bill, which includes measures to empower workers in adult social care.

Question

I thank the Minister for his answer on strengthening collective voices of workers through the Employment Rights Bill. Experts say that sectoral bargaining can be a powerful tool in various sectors. What plans does the government have to extend such practices beyond adult social care?

Answer from Justin Madders

My hon. Friend is correct that there is evidence worldwide supporting the benefits of collective bargaining for terms and conditions, but we must start somewhere. With 5% of the working population in adult social care facing high turnover rates and misuse of contracts, this sector needed immediate attention first. We aim to improve working conditions in adult social care before expanding efforts elsewhere.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Plans for extending collective bargaining beyond adult social care are not addressed with specifics or timelines

How: We Must Start Somewhere, Focus On Getting It Right In Adult Social Care

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Q2 Ian Lavery Lab Blyth and Ashington
Employment Business & Trade
Context

Government legislation empowering unions is leading to practical challenges, such as picket lines preventing the Secretary of State from meeting with CBI Scotland. Additionally, ASLEF's reluctance to modernize communication practices has been highlighted.

Question

This week's events have shown how Government legislation can empower unions to disrupt business operations. For example, a rail union insists on using outdated methods like fax machines instead of email. How does this support collective bargaining?

Answer from Justin Madders

The hon. Member needs education on what trade unions do. ASLEF, not involved in adult social care, faces different challenges than those addressed by our tripartite efforts focusing on business and workers with the Government's support to improve terms and conditions.

Not addressed: Impact of collective bargaining disruptions on other sectors is not addressed; instead, focuses on education about trade unions' functions

How: I Have To Educate The Hon. Member, We Want To Work On A Tripartite Basis

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Q3 John Cooper Con Dumfries and Galloway
Social Care Economy Employment
Context

The Government's impact assessment for the Employment Rights Bill shows that sectoral collective bargaining could be very costly, with a potential £5.8 billion increase if pay levels match those of junior doctors.

Question

Government's analysis reveals significant costs associated with collective bargaining in adult social care. For example, matching pay awards to junior doctors' standards would cost businesses £5.8 billion, raising business rates and reducing employment or hours. When will further sectoral bargaining be implemented, for which sectors, and what are the expected costs?

Answer from Justin Madders

The hon. Member should look to his own party's record on neglecting adult social care for 14 years. The impact assessment shows an overall cost of 0.4% to employers, which is a small price for improved working conditions and raised living standards across the country.

Not addressed: Details about further sectoral bargaining implementation and specific costs are not provided; instead, criticizes previous government's actions

How: The Hon. Member Should Look To His Own Party'S Record

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Q4 Gareth Bacon Con Orpington
Employment
Context

The Employment Rights Bill aims to empower workers in adult social care through strengthened collective bargaining.

Question

I thank the Minister for his answer on strengthening collective voices of workers. The Labour Government introduced the Employment Rights Bill, which is a significant achievement within their first 100 days. What plans might the government have to extend sectoral collective bargaining into other sectors?

Answer from Justin Madders

My hon. Friend is right about the significant achievement of introducing the Employment Rights Bill within 100 days, which aims to empower workers through strengthened collective bargaining in adult social care.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details on extending sectoral bargaining beyond adult social care are not provided; instead reiterates current achievements without addressing future plans

How: My Hon. Friend Is Right About The Significant Achievement

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