Written questions by McMurdock.

What steps his Department is taking to support small commercial vessels.

My department works closely with the Maritime Coastguard Agency on regulations, including the new proposals for small commercial vessels, to ensure that they evolve alongside technology and alternative fuels while maintaining safety. The UK is committed to supporting a robust UK maritime sector — recognising that 99% of businesses in the industry are SMEs — and is dedicated to fostering their growth. Support is available through UK Export Finance, export campaigns and through Department for Transport initiatives including UK SHORE, which has funded decarbonisation projects involving over 150 SMEs, together with the new SME support hub launched by the Ministry of Defence.

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the tribunal system in supporting small businesses facing late payments.

The Government understands the impact late payments has on small businesses and the important role the tribunal system plays in helping to recover late payments, alongside the Office of the Small Business Commissioner which was set up to help small businesses with late payment disputes and which runs a free dispute resolution service. The Government will soon be launching a public consultation seeking views on how we can go further to tackle late payments.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of provisions in the Employment Rights Bill on (a) statutory sick pay and (b) dismissal procedures on small businesses.

The Government has published a robust set of Impact Assessments on all aspects of the Employment Rights Bill, available here: Employment Rights Bill: impact assessments - GOV.UK. These include assessments on the impacts to small and micro businesses in line with the Better Regulation Framework. New dismissal procedures and statutory sick pay measures will apply to all businesses regardless of size. Whilst it is recognised that smaller businesses could potentially face disproportionate challenges due to their limited resources, the broader societal benefits of increased job security, productivity and fairness in the labour market justify the policies scope.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of increased operating costs on the (a) employment retention and (b) pay levels of small businesses.

The Government recognises the need to protect the smallest employers. The Government has doubled the Employment Allowance, meaning that more than half of businesses with NIC liabilities will either gain or will see no change this year. As well as this, a Business Growth Service will make it easier for businesses across the UK to get the advice they need. The National Minimum Wage increases that came into effect on the 1st April 2025 follow the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission. To inform its recommendations, the Low Pay Commission considered the impact on business, competitiveness and the labour market, and undertook extensive research and stakeholder engagement. The Government’s Impact Assessment1, includes a detailed assessment of the impact of the rates on small and micro businesses, including the increase in pay levels and possible wider impacts on competitiveness and employment. 1The National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Regulations 2025 - Impact Assessment

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate on employment levels in the UK automotive manufacturing sector.

The government does not hold data on how the Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate has affected automotive employment in the UK.We speak regularly to all the major UK automotive stakeholders to understand the health of the sector and factors impacting competitiveness. Government is committed to ensuring the transition to zero emissions works for industry. That is why we introduced significant changes to the Mandate, allowing for greater flexibility in meeting ZEV targets and extending the sale of hybrid vehicles.

What recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of the increase in National Insurance contributions on the services sector.

An assessment of the changes to Employers’ National Insurance has been published by HMRC in their Tax Information and Impact Note, including impacts on the exchequer, the economy, individuals, households and families, equalities, and businesses including civil society organisations, alongside details on monitoring and evaluation.  Tax information and impact notes - GOV.UKThe government is protecting the smallest businesses from changes to Employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) by increasing the Employment Allowance to £10,500. This means that in 2025-26, 865,000 employers (43%) will pay no NICs at all. We are reforming business rates and protecting the smallest properties by freezing the small business multiplier in 2025-26, protecting over a million properties from inflationary bill increases.

What recent assessment he has made of the long-term resilience of small businesses in (a) England and (b) Essex.

Business cash levels have been resilient and have strengthened since the pre-pandemic and pre-referendum periods. According to figures published by BVA BDRC, in Q1 2025, 29% of SMEs were holding over £10,000 in credit balances compared to 23% in 2018 and 2019. SMEs have also increased their levels of cash relative to their turnover, with credit balances amounting to 28% of turnover in Q1 2025 compared to 24% in 2018 and 2019.1The Southeast Growth Hub is where small and medium sized businesses across Essex can benefit from specialist advice on how to scale up, access new markets and receive financial support through the British Business Bank. 1 SME Finance Monitor – March 2025

If he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill on regulatory requirements for small and medium-sized enterprises.

On Monday 21 October, the Government published 24 Impact Assessments representing a comprehensive package of analysis on the impact of the Employment Rights Bill. These Impact Assessments are available at the following link: http://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments. As per our Better Regulation requirements, each Impact Assessment includes a small, medium and micro business assessment, which discuss the potential impacts of the Employment Rights Bill.

Whether he plans to allow businesses to retain the ability to offer zero-hours contracts where that is in the interests of employees.

The Employment Rights Bill seeks to end exploitative zero hours contracts, ensuring that all jobs provide a baseline of security and predictability so workers can better plan their lives and finances. We recognise that some workers need and value the flexibility that a zero hours contract can provide.Under the Bill, those who are offered guaranteed hours will be able to turn these down and remain on their current contract or arrangement if they wish.

Whether his Department has plans to increase funding to the World Trade Organisation.

The UK’s funding to the World Trade Organization (WTO) is, as for all members, determined by the WTO itself, as agreed to by the UK under the conditions of membership in Article VII of the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the WTO, which entered into force on 1 January 1995. The membership fees are calculated by use of an established formula based on each Member’s share of international trade (based on trade in goods, services and intellectual property rights for the last five years for which data is available).

What steps his Department is taking to help increase the number of workers in the construction industry.

The Department for Business and Trade is working across Government to understand the demand impacts for the construction sector to deliver our built environment and infrastructure commitments. This includes working with industry and the Construction Industry Training Board to support recruitment initiatives such as GoConstruct, and Open Doors, which aim to attract people to the industry. We are also working with DfE Skills England and the sector to improve routes to achieving qualifications and entering the industry, to ensure there are enough skilled workers to achieve our ambitions for housing and infrastructure delivery.

If he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his Department's polices of the Construction Industry Training Board's decision to end the use of Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards.

Construction Skills Certification Scheme Limited is the organisation responsible for providing cards to individuals working on construction sites. The Construction Industry Training Board has not ended the use of Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards.Holding a CSCS card is not a legislative requirement. Most principal contractors and major house builders require workers on their construction sites to hold a valid card.Standardising the approach to construction skills certification was made by the industry to improve standards of safety and competency on construction sites. This specifies and promotes card schemes displaying the CSCS logo with no equivalents accepted.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of proposed increases in stamp prices on (a) consumers and (b) businesses.

The Government does not have a role in Royal Mail’s commercial decisions, including the prices of stamps and other services. In setting its prices, Royal Mail must observe the regulatory framework set by Ofcom which imposes price controls, ‘safeguard caps’, on certain second-class products to ensure a basic universal service is available to all at affordable prices. Information on Ofcom’s decisions regarding retail price caps on Royal Mail’s universal postal services to apply from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2027 is available on its website: www.ofcom.org.uk/post/deliveries-and-charges/consultation-review-of-second-class-safeguard-caps-2024.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of post office closures on high streets.

Government fully appreciates the impact a Post Office branch closure can have on a community, particularly for communities who don’t have nearby alternatives.Although Post Office has the freedom to make commercial decisions regarding the composition of its network, Government protects the Post Office network and high street post offices by setting minimum access criteria. These include the requirements which ensure for example that in urban areas, 95% of the total population across the UK live within 1 mile of their nearest post office and in urban deprived areas 99% live within 1 mile of their nearest post office. The Government-set access criteria ensures that however the network changes, services remain within local reach of all citizens.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of post office closures on (a) high-streets and (b) consumers in Essex.

Government fully appreciates the impact a Post Office branch closure can have on a community. It knows it can be disruptive, particularly for communities who don’t have nearby alternatives.Although Post Office has the freedom to make commercial decisions regarding the composition of its network, Government protects the Post Office network and high street post offices by setting minimum access criteria. These include the requirements which ensure for example that in urban areas, 95% of the total population across the UK live within 1 mile of their nearest post office and in urban deprived areas 99% live within 1 mile of their nearest post office. The Government-set access criteria ensures that however the network changes, services remain within local reach of all citizens.

What steps his Department is taking to increase manufacturing jobs in (a) Essex and (b) nationally.

Essex has a vibrant manufacturing sector and Basildon is home to many key businesses including Ford, Leonardo and New Holland. The strength of the Essex economy means that it is home to two freeports including the Thames Freeport in the Right Honourable member’s constituency.Our new Industrial Strategy is central to the Governments Growth Mission. The Strategy will drive long-term sustainable, inclusive and secure growth throughout the UK, with advanced manufacturing being one of eight growth-driving sectors the strategy will support. The Strategy will support growth sectors to create high-quality, well-paid jobs across the country.

Whether he has had recent discussions with his US counterpart on a free trade agreement.

Ministers and officials regularly engage with their US counterparts to discuss ways to strengthen the UK-US trading relationship, already worth £304 billion. The Secretary of State met US Trade Representative Katherine Tai at the G20 Summit in October where they discussed deepening UK-US collaboration.

If he will make a comparative assessment of energy prices for steel production in (a) the UK, (b) China, (c) Germany and (d) the US.

The Government recognises that this continues to be a worrying time for the steel sector facing pressures due to global energy prices. We are committed to minimising energy costs for steel, and all energy intensive industries, to help ensure they remain strong and competitive. Further support through the new British Industry Supercharger should be worth (on average) around £24-£31 Per MegaWatt Hour (MWh) for eligible businesses, closing the competitive gap with their international competitors.

What steps he is taking to support food producers from (a) Essex and (b) the UK to increase exports.

DBT’s offer of export support for Food & Drink businesses in Essex and the whole of the UK includes: educational support via our Export Academy, 1-2-1 support from International Trade Advisors and our extensive overseas network, with trade advisors promoting UK food in over 100 countries. Overseas we deliver a large programme of trade shows, missions and events to increase exports in the sector. In addition, our UK Export Finance agency helps companies access export finance, with a dedicated finance manager covering Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.

If he will establish an additional public holiday for St George's Day.

The current pattern of bank and public holidays is well established and accepted. The Government has no plans to change it.While an additional bank holiday may benefit some communities and sectors, the cost to the economy of an additional bank holiday remains considerable. The estimated cost to the UK economy of an additional one-off bank holiday is around £2bn.