Member

I have to say that the amendments of the noble Lord, Lord Hendy, threaten to create inefficiency, inflexibility and deadlock—outcomes that surely no one in this Committee should want. The amendment seeking to replace “employment” with “engagement” in the scope of the adult social care negotiating body may seem at first glance to be an inclusive step. In reality, it would dangerously broaden the remit beyond employed workers to include virtually anyone and everyone involved in social care in some capacity. This would blur important legal distinctions between employees, contractors and other forms of engagement, and would create confusion and uncertainty about who exactly the body represents or bargains for. Such vagueness is unhelpful at best and, at worst, invites endless disputes and legal challenges.