Oral QuestionNorthern Ireland Office

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the cost of childcare on family incomes in Northern Ireland.

Tabled: 14 November 2023Answered: 22 November 2023

Asked by

Mary Kelly Foy

LabourCity of Durham

Answering Minister

the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

Answer from Hansard

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Justin Madders)

We have already taken a number of steps to improve employment rights in this country. We have written to the Low Pay Commission to ask it to end the discriminatory age bands, so that all adults will be paid the same minimum wage rates. We have also asked it to look at including the cost of living when setting future wage rates, and have announced that we will repeal the unconscionable and unworkable Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023, but there will be more. We will transform workers’ rights in this country, and will introduce the employment rights Bill within 100 days of taking office, as we promised.