Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Fair Pay Agreements

Thursday 30 October 2025 · 1 question

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

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Andy McDonald inquired about further sectors ready for fair pay agreements and steps the Department is taking to address cost of living pressures.
  • The Minister welcomed support for sectoral collective bargaining and collective agreements as a means to improve living standards.
  • The UK is demonstrating commitment in social care and school support staff sectors.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andy McDonald Lab Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Context

The MP is advocating for fair pay agreements to address cost of living pressures and improve real incomes. He references the Employment Rights Bill and the UK's obligations under the International Labour Organisation.

Question

I am concerned about delivering increased real incomes and better living standards in light of continuing cost of living pressures. Can the Minister provide more information on which further sectors are most ready for fair pay agreements, and what steps the Department is taking to meet the UK’s obligations as a member of the International Labour Organisation to extend sectoral collective bargaining?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Kate Dearden)

I welcome the support from my hon. Friend for sectoral collective bargaining and collective agreements as a key means to improve living standards across workplaces in the country. As he knows, we are demonstrating our commitment with social care and school support staff sectors. The UK is dedicated to working internationally to enhance workers' rights and labour standards globally, fully supporting the International Labour Organisation's efforts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP asked for specific sectors ready for fair pay agreements and steps being taken to meet ILO commitments, but the Minister did not provide these specifics. She instead focused on general support for collective bargaining and commitment to international labour standards.

How: General Principles, Broader Context

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