Speeches by Darling.

“It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Stringer. I would like to amplify the issues raised from the Opposition side of the room. There are serious concerns, and we need to ensure that the regulations are as simple as possible and easy for employers to understand. I fear that this is a charter for HR cons…”

“The hon. Member for Gloucester has ably made the legal case for why this measure is a worthwhile way to support our communities. I am aware, from my 30 years of supporting people in Torbay, that quite often those who are less legally literate face real challenges in getting themselves organised within the three-month p…”

“The Minister talked about barriers; one significant barrier that people with disabilities face is discrimination. Some people who have protected characteristics have the full force of the law behind them when they are discriminated against, but my concern is that people with disabilities do not necessarily have that an…”

“Q I will be brief. Tackling harassment is a really important duty and a really important part of this Bill to me. I would welcome your reflections on how the Bill could be strengthened to support employers in this area, which in Torbay hits hard, particularly for young women. James Lowman: We need absolute clarity on w…”

“Q I have one short question. How do you see the Bill impacting the United Kingdom’s productivity? Liron Velleman: The Bill should have a positive impact on productivity. Following on from Joanne’s previous answer, when people are in insecure work, they are worried about whether they are going to lose their job tomorrow…”

“Q My constituency, Torbay, is sadly in the upper quartile of the most deprived constituencies. I would welcome your reflections on how the Bill could have an impact on constituencies such as mine where there are high levels of deprivation. Nye Cominetti: Well, I have a few caveats. First, overall employment rates are l…”

“Q I know from conversations that I have had with businesses in my community that the Budget is set to have a significant impact on employers. Although there is a lot to welcome, broadly, in the Bill, would taking a more staged approach to its implementation be of help, or are you confident that your businesses could ta…”

“Q I experienced a conversation with sixth-formers in Torbay who were sexually harassed in the workplace. I would welcome your thoughts on how the Bill could be strengthened so that it is supportive of employers in their support for people who experience such a situation. John Kirkpatrick: We start from the position tha…”

“Q Not that long ago, I met Sovereign Housing Association about developing more social rented housing in my constituency of Torbay. It shared that in the west of England, one of the biggest issues is the lack of medium-sized builders to help to deliver this good. I am sure that is the case elsewhere in the country as we…”

“Q I visited Torquay girls’ grammar school in my constituency of Torbay some time ago, and met the head and some of the sixth-form students who were experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace throughout Torbay. Does the proposed legislation go far enough? I am particularly thinking of young people who may lack conf…”

“Q My second question is to you, Neil, although I do not know whether you will be able to answer it—I listen with interest. How could the legislation impact on employment opportunities for individuals who have a disability, whether that is a sensory, physical or learning disability? Neil Carberry: I regret that we are n…”

“Q From Torbay to Tyneside, productivity in the British economy is the biggest challenge that we face. Cathryn has alluded to productivity a number of times during evidence. What opportunities do you see in the Bill for driving productivity and the culture change needed to drive that agenda through our workforce? Ben Wi…”

“Q In my constituency, there are a lot of small and medium-sized businesses. Will the two witnesses be kind enough to share whether they have seen any sectors that are particularly hard hit by the proposals, or any ameliorations to take account of that? David Hale: That is a slightly difficult question. You could think …”

“Q It has been said a number of times that this is almost a big bang approach around employment rights, where suddenly there are all these new rights appearing that people are having to deal with. What reflections might you have on a more staged approach to this, where it is implemented over a period of time so that emp…”

“Q I have a series of short questions. First, if the panellists were to put a stake in the ground on probationary periods, what timescale would you choose? What is a reasonable approach? Jane Gratton: It is really important that there is a probationary period, and it should be at least nine months. Businesses ideally wa…”

“Q My first question is to Allen. I want to reflect on whether there is any differential in regional impact. London clearly has a very vibrant economy, whereas in parts of the world such as Torbay—where I am from—and the west country, it is not as vibrant. Do you see any difference in the impacts of this legislation reg…”

“Q Thank you, Chair. This has been touched on before, but there is something I really want to understand, if anybody can address it: productivity is a big issue for the British economy, so are there any opportunities that you see in this Bill for driving a bit harder towards that goal? Paul Nowak: Absolutely, Mr Darling…”

“Q I would like to give a personal perspective. I feel that unfair employment laws can often fan the flames of tribalism. I look over the way at Europe, where there is a more consensual approach and a more collaborative culture. How could the Bill drive a more collaborative culture with employers and unions? Mick Lynch:…”

“Q Thank you for coming today. This is the same question for both representatives about my constituents in Torbay—a world of mostly small businesses. Do you have any reflections on how the Bill could be improved to be more supportive of small businesses? Jim Bligh: I want to speak specifically on that to flexible workin…”

“I hope that the Secretary of State will join me in thanking workers at Torbay council, who have stepped up to help out residents across my constituency during Storm Bert. I highlight to colleagues the fact that we are haunted by deep cuts to the flood defence budget under the previous Government. Will the Secretary of …”