theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_162

Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether he has made an assessment of the adequacy of the availability of non- wheelchair accessible disability-friendly safety and accessible features following changes to the Motability scheme. \p Sir Stephen Timms: Motability Operations, an independent commercial company which delivers the Scheme, will continue to prioritise customer needs, ensuring vehicles remain affordable and that support for specialist adaptations remains at the heart of the Scheme.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_163

Patrick Spencer:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on the adequacy of financial support for parents of critically and terminally ill children. \p Sir Stephen Timms: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State regularly meets with colleagues across Government to discuss a range of issues.

Many parents caring for children and young people with serious illnesses are likely to need additional support through social security. Financial support is available through Universal Credit (UC), a means tested benefit, which if needed, can offer support available on day one through a UC advance. There is also Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children aged under 16 and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for those over 16. They are available if a child or young person’s condition or illness is of a long-term nature and gives rise to care, daily living or mobility needs. These are not means-tested.

For claimants at the end of life, the Government’s priority is to provide financial support quickly and compassionately through special benefit rules – called the Special Rules for End of Life (SREL). For parents with children nearing the end of life these enable families to get faster, and guaranteed, access to the care component of DLA or the daily living components of PIP, without having to undergo a functional assessment or serve a qualifying period.

People caring for a child in these circumstances can use an independent, free and anonymous benefits calculator to check what they could be entitled to. These are available on Gov.uk and provide estimates of the benefits someone could get, how these payments are affected by re-starting work or by a change in circumstances change.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Louise Haigh:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how frequently does the Department review performance data on Access to Work delivery; and will this data be published regularly. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Department reviews Access to Work performance data regularly to monitor and maintain service delivery standards. This information is used internally to manage and improve performance. It is not published, as it is considered management information rather than official statistics.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Anna Dixon:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to reduce delays in Access to Work applications; and if he will take steps to introduce a fast-track process for disability groups with the lowest employment rates, such as epilepsy. \p Sir Stephen Timms: We are committed to reducing waiting times for Access to Work. We have increased the number of staff processing Access to Work claims by 27% and applications from customers who are about to start a job or who are renewing are prioritised.

The Green Paper launched a consultation on the future of Access to Work which has now concluded. We are considering responses to the consultation and will set out our plans in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Anna Dixon:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when he will introduce mandatory disability pay gap reporting. \p Sir Stephen Timms: Our consultation on ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting closed on 10 June and we are now considering responses to this.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many households currently subject to the Household Benefit Cap are living in (a) council housing and (b) housing association accommodation. \p Sir Stephen Timms: There were 540 households on Housing Benefit affected by the benefit cap in May 2025. Of these, 40 were living in council housing and 100 were living in housing association accommodation.

There were 123,000 households on Universal Credit affected by the benefit cap in May 2025. Accommodation data in Universal Credit does not identify housing association accommodation separately from council housing. Of the 123,000 households on Universal Credit affected by the benefit cap in May 2025, 45,000 were living in council housing or housing association accommodation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_168

Louise Haigh:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to make Access to Work application and renewal processes more accessible. \p Sir Stephen Timms: DWP is committed to making Access to Work accessible. Customers can apply for Access to Work support and renew existing support, via the on-line service, which has been developed in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

This service is fully compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2 AA standard.

Both accessibility statements are available on the public website too:

Accessibility statement for Apply for Access to Work – Access to Work - GOV.UK – Access to Work – GOV.UK

Accessibility statement for Renew Access to Work – Access to Work - GOV.UK

In addition, customers can contact Access to Work by telephone. For those Customers who cannot hear or speak on the phone, Relay UK can be used as an alternative to the telephone.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how much new leases for Motability vehicles without advance payments will increase in end user cost from July 2026 as a result of the addition of insurance premium tax in the Autumn Budget 2026. \p Sir Stephen Timms: We are protecting the taxpayer through changes to the Motability scheme, ensuring it supports disabled people whilst delivering efficient use of taxpayers’ money.

As is the case now, Motability will determine which vehicles will require an advanced payment and the price. There will still be cars available through the scheme which require no advance payment. This means that customers will still be able to lease a car just with their qualifying disability benefit.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_170

Wendy Chamberlain:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many Health and Safety Executive inspection officials are based in (a) Scotland, (b) England and (c) Wales. \p Sir Stephen Timms: As the table below shows, as of 31 October 2025, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) currently employs 899 full time equivalent (FTE) inspector staff in all grades and roles including trainees, managers and specialists with warrants. There are currently 666 FTE Band 3 and 4 inspectors who undertake the delivery of the operational division workplans. This includes inspections and investigations into reported incidents and concerns and where non-compliance with health and safety legislations is identified, the inspectors take regulatory action in accordance with HSE’s published Enforcement Policy Statement.

Although HSE staff work across England, Scotland and Wales, these figures are based on the office location where the staff are employed.

Job Band

England

Scotland

Wales

Total

SCS

9

1

0

10

Band 1

25

3

4

32

Band 2

153

27

11

191

Band 3

402

96

42

540

Band 4

98

19

9

126

Total

686

146

66

899
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps the Department is taking to reduce the backlog of Work Capability Assessments and improve the speed of decision making. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Department for Work and Pensions prioritises assessments for new claims to minimise waiting times and ensure claimants receive the right benefit entitlement as soon as possible. However, due to unforeseen high levels of Work Capability Assessments (WCA) required in late 2024, a backlog of reassessment cases built up from individuals reporting a change in their condition before May 2025. We are working with suppliers to increase capacity for clearing this backlog, including by accelerating the recruitment of assessors.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Naz Shah:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many inspections of upholstery and furniture workshops have been carried out by the Health and Safety Executive in each of the last five years. \p Sir Stephen Timms: Between 2019 and the present date, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have inspected 2104 premises whose primary business includes the manufacture of office and shop furniture, kitchen furniture, mattresses and other furniture (based on the Standard Industry Classification (SIC)).

The breakdown by year is as follows:

Year

Number of Inspections

2019/20

304

2020/21

145

2021/22

192

2022/23

419

2023/24

627

2024/25

319

2025 to date

98
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Naz Shah:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment the Health and Safety Executive has made of the potential risks associated with chemical exposure in upholstery workshops, including chemicals found in foam and treated fabrics. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recognised the risks to textile workers who routinely handle finished fabrics, including those treated with fire-resistant finishes. HSE have produced a specific guidance page on their website which covers both the initial manufacture and any secondary processing of finished fabrics (such as upholstery). The guidance page can be found here: https://www.hse.gov.uk/textiles/fabric-finishes.htm

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) outline specific duties on employers to protect workers from harmful substances, such as foams and flame retardants, which may be contained in soft furnishings such as mattresses and sofas. HSE provides practical advice and guidance on the basics of COSHH, completing COSHH assessments and links to industry specific information and guidance to prevent and control workplace exposure to harmful substances at Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) - HSE
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to increase take-up of Carer’s Allowance among eligible carers. \p Sir Stephen Timms: Carer’s Allowance (CA) offers financial support and recognition to unpaid carers in England and Wales who are unable to work full-time due to their caring responsibilities.

Information and guidance on CA entitlement is available through multiple channels, including Jobcentre Plus offices, gov.uk, and third-party organisations such as Citizens Advice, Carers UK and Carers Trust.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Helen Whately:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what data his Department holds on the number of people who have newly claimed Universal Credit in each of the last five years by (a) health-related reasons for claiming and (b) the searching-for-work conditionality group. \p Sir Stephen Timms: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 25 November 2025 to PQ UIN 92813.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Zöe Franklin:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to support private-sector employers implement reasonable adjustments recommended through Access to Work for staff with mental health conditions. \p Sir Stephen Timms: Access to Work supports workplace adjustments that go beyond what would normally be expected from an employer through their duty to provide reasonable adjustments as outlined in the Equality Act 2010, including for mental health conditions.

As set out in the Pathways to Work Green Paper, we are reforming Access to Work to improve the scheme so that it helps more disabled people and people with health conditions, including mental health conditions, into and on in work.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate his Department has made of the proportion of Universal Credit advances that remain outstanding beyond 12 months. \p Sir Stephen Timms: Most UC advances (new claims, benefit transfer and Budgeting Advances) have a maximum repayment period of 24 months except change of circumstances advances which have a maximum of 6 months.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Mohammad Yasin:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of recent changes to the Motability scheme, including the removal of certain vehicle brands, the introduction of VAT on advance payments and Insurance Premium Tax on scheme insurance, and operational changes to breakdown cover and mileage allowances, on disabled people’s access to suitable vehicles; and if he will publish the estimated cost savings arising from each change, the criteria used to determine which vehicle categories were removed, and which Ministers approved these decisions. \p Sir Stephen Timms: We are protecting the taxpayer through changes to the Motability scheme, ensuring it supports disabled people whilst delivering efficient use of taxpayers’ money. This includes the removal of some luxury vehicles from the leasing scheme while maintaining a range of vehicles to support disabled people. Tax changes will not impact vehicles substantially adapted for wheelchair users, or existing leases, and Motability will continue to provide vehicles at no additional cost to the value of eligible disability benefits.

Decisions on tax were made in the usual way by HM Treasury ministers, in close consultation with DWP Ministers and based on extensive advice with due consideration of equalities impacts. Estimated cost savings were published in the budget documentation: Motability Scheme: reforming tax reliefs - GOV.UK
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Helen Whately:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many families in receipt of the child benefit of UC are exempt from the household benefit cap because they (a) receive limited capability for work and work-related activity, (b) are in a grace period and (c) earn £846 or more a month. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The information requested not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Sarah Champion:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to extend the scope of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 to include decapod crustaceans; and what the timeline is for any work required prior to the decision. \p Dan Jarvis: The Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 recognises decapod crustaceans as sentient beings. The Government is committed to an evidence-based and proportionate approach to setting welfare standards for decapod crustaceans, both for those caught for human consumption and those used in scientific research.

The Home Office is carefully considering next steps, in collaboration with other relevant departments, on whether decapod crustaceans should be regulated under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. No timeline has yet been set and decisions will follow further evidence gathering.

The Government is committed to non-animal alternatives in science and has published a strategy to support their development, validation and adoption. The strategy is available at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/replacing-animals-in-science-strategy/replacing-animals-in-science-a-strategy-to-support-the-development-validation-and-uptake-of-alternative-methods
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Wendy Chamberlain:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many complaints were received by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority with reference to farms in Scotland in 2025. \p Jess Phillips: The GLAA does not record ‘Complaints’ about licensed entities. Instead, it records ‘General Issues’ (referrals from members of the public, victims, workers, etc.) which may or may not be negative in nature.

Since 1 January 2025, the GLAA has received 11 ‘General Issues’ referrals relating to Scottish farms.

Since 1 January 2025, GLAA Officers have undertaken 16 in person inspection visits to farms in Scotland. These figures include compliance and enforcement inspections, as well as joint operations with other enforcement bodies.

As of November 2025, the GLAA has a total headcount of 117, with 2 members of staff currently based in Scotland.

The GLAA deploys members of staff from all over the UK to support operations wherever they are required. It is therefore not possible to provide an accurate breakdown of the number of staff who cover Scotland as part of their roles and responsibilities, as this will change depending on demand.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Alice Macdonald:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the Violence Against Women and Girls strategy and delivery plan will include (a) funding and (b) measures to help tackle technology-facilitated domestic abuse. \p Jess Phillips: Tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) in all of its forms, including abuse facilitated by technology, is a top priority for this government, with an unprecedented mission to halve it within a decade. The rapid development of technology has provided additional spaces for VAWG and equipped perpetrators with new ways to harass, intimidate, stalk and coerce women and girls. We will set out plans to address technology-facilitated VAWG in our forthcoming Strategy.

Following the Chancellor’s announcement on 11th June, we are working through the details of funding for tackling VAWG over the Spending Review period of 2026-2029. We will provide further details on funding when departmental budget allocations have been finalised
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what progress has been made in appointing a chair to the National Inquiry into group based child sexual exploitation and abuse. \p Jess Phillips: On 9 December 2025 the Home Secretary announced to Parliament the appointment of Baroness Anne Longfield CBE as Chair of the new Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs, and Zoë Billingham CBE and Eleanor Kelly CBE as Panel.

The Chair will consult on the draft Terms of Reference published alongside this announcement with a view to making recommendations to the Home Secretary who will agree the final Terms of Reference in March 2026.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Mr Will Forster:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if her department has considered the use of AI to help tackle the backlog of asylum applications. \p Alex Norris: The Asylum Case Summarisation (ACS) tool uses artificial intelligence (AI) to summarise asylum interview transcripts. The Asylum Policy Search (APS) tool is an AI search assistant that finds and summarises country policy information. The tools were designed as an aid for decision-makers to improve efficiency but do not, and cannot, replace any part of the decision-making process. APS has been rolled out and is accessible to all Asylum decision makers and ACS development continues, with a full roll out planned in the new year. Further tooling is being worked on including an asylum letter writing assistant for caseworkers which supports the decision-maker in the drafting of outcome letters. It does not make the decision for the decision-maker.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what guidance his Department has provided to Neighbourhood Health Centre sites on integrating specialist neurology services with neighbourhood-based care teams. \p Stephen Kinnock: In August 2025, NHS England updated its service specification for specialised adult neurology services. It outlines how specialised neurology services should support integrated and responsive care for individuals with long-term neurological conditions through collaboration between hospital and community providers. Service specifications define the standards of care expected from organisations funded by NHS England to provide specialised care.

At the national level, there are a number of initiatives supporting service improvement and better care for patients with neurological conditions, including the Getting It Right First Time Programme for Neurology and the Neurology Transformation Programme.

We have announced our commitment to deliver 250 Neighbourhood Health Centres (NHCs) through the NHS Neighbourhood Rebuild Programme, with 120 delivered by 2030, and with rollout starting in areas with the greatest need where healthy life expectancy is lowest

We expect neighbourhood teams and services to be designed in a way that reflects the specific needs of local populations. While the focus on personalised, coordinated care will be consistent, that will mean the service will look different in different places across the country. We will be publishing further guidance to support local areas to develop neighbourhood health plans in due course. This will set out how the National Health Service, local authorities, and partners should work together under the leadership of Health and Wellbeing Boards to develop and implement plans.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Chris Bloore:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of the additional funding for the NHS announced on 11 June 2025 will be allocated to NHS dentistry. \p Stephen Kinnock: NHS England has now published the Medium Term Planning Framework and allocations for 2026/27 to 2027/28. Further information on the Medium Term Planning Framework and the allocations is available, respectively, at the following two links:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/medium-term-planning-framework-delivering-change-together-2026-27-to-2028-29/

https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/allocation-of-resources-2026-27-to-2027-28/

National Health Service organisations are now in the process of developing their operational plans that will detail how they will meet the standards set out in the Medium-Term Planning Framework.

A separate schedule will be issued setting out the ringfence for dental services, including 2026/27 to 2028/29 integrated care board pharmacy optometry and dental allocations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the number of additional NHS appointments delivered between (a) July 2024 and June 2025 and (b) July 2023 and June 2024. \p Karin Smyth: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 2 December 2025 to Question 87411 on NHS England: Redundancy, what proportion of the £860 million will be spent in each financial year. \p Karin Smyth: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Rachel Taylor:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has considered developing an LGBT+ health strategy. \p Ashley Dalton: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment for the reasons for the difference in the number of additional NHS appointments that were provided between (a) July 2024 and June 2025 and (b) the preceding 12 months. \p Karin Smyth: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to question 87411, if he will publish the calculations for the figure of £860 million. \p Karin Smyth: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Wendy Chamberlain:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a fund to support children and young people with cancer with the costs of travelling to specialist treatment centres through the development of the National Cancer Plan for England. \p Ashley Dalton: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to recognise and support Kevin Sinfield CBE's fundraising for motor neurone disease. \p Ashley Dalton: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Sarah Olney:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, who requested the table-top review of Tier 4 services for personality disorder by NHS England; who is leading that review; and what that review's aims and purpose are. \p Dr Zubir Ahmed: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Solicitor General, what assessment he has made of the (a) adequacy of the uptake and (b) effectiveness of the Victim Right to Review pilot. \p Ellie Reeves: In June 2025 the CPS began a pilot in the West Midlands which offers victims of rape and serious sexual assault the opportunity to have a separate prosecutor review the case before any final decision is taken to stop the case in court. If that prosecutor concludes that the Full Code Test in the Code for Crown Prosecutors is met, the case will continue.

The number of decisions eligible for review under the pilot have so far been low. These volumes have meant an evaluation of the pilot has not been possible to date. Evaluation is essential, and the pilot will continue to allow enough evidence to be gathered to assess its effectiveness.

Consideration is also being given to expanding the pilot to support a thorough evaluation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Solicitor General, whether the Attorney General has had recent discussions with his Cabinet colleagues on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill’s legal compatibility with the Windsor Framework in relation to Northern Ireland. \p Ellie Reeves: The Attorney sits on the Parliamentary Business and Legislation Committee. As part of the process of approving a government Bill for introduction, as set out in the published Guide to Making Legislation, a legal issues memorandum is prepared for this Committee. This will set out all relevant legal issues.

Whether the Law Officers have been asked to provide advice outside of the PBL process is covered by the Law Officers' Convention. This Convention provides that whether or not the Law Officers have been asked to provide advice, and the contents of any such advice, is not disclosed outside Government.

This protects the Law Officers’ ability as chief legal advisers to the Government to give full and frank legal advice and provides the fullest guarantee that government business will be conducted at all times in light of thorough and candid legal advice.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

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Liam Byrne:To ask the Solicitor General, what her Department’s capital Departmental Expenditure Limit (DEL) will be in each year of the Spending Review period; how much capital funding has been allocated to each of her Department’s programmes; and how much and what proportion of the capital DEL allocation remains unallocated in each year. \p Ellie Reeves: The Law Officer Departments have a capital Departmental Expenditure Limit (DEL) as follows:

2025-26 – 0.1b

2026-27 – 0.1b

2027-28 – 0.1b

2028-29 – 0.2b

2029-30 – 0.0b

Future years CDEL allocations are subject to planning in the usual way.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_198

James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of reporting mechanisms in capturing breaches of employment law among temporary and seasonal workers. \p Kate Dearden: The Director of the Labour Market Enforcement’s (DLME) Annual Report for 2023 to 2025 (published in November 2025) provides information on enforcement activity across sectors and areas of heightened risk, including in relation to seasonal workers.

The Government is establishing the Fair Work Agency (FWA) in April 2026 which will deliver a much-needed upgrade to employment rights enforcement. Once established, the FWA will publish annual reports on its work and lay them before Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_199
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_199

Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many and what proportion of staff were promoted (a) in-grade and (b) to a higher grade in the last year broken down by (i) performance marking in the previous year and (ii) grade. \p Kate Dearden: As of 31 March 2025, a total of 576 civil servants, representing approximately 9.7% of those on the payroll, were promoted to higher grades during the previous year. The table below provides a breakdown of these promotions by performance marking (as of 31 March 2024) and grade.

Delegated grades within the Department have two performance ratings - Met and Not Met.

Senior Civil Servants (SCS) have four box ratings ‘Exceeding’, High Performing’ ‘Achieving’ and ‘Partially Met’. Exceeding is the top box rating.

We do not have information about in-grade promotions because lateral moves are not considered promotions and are not tracked currently.

Grade

Met

Not Met

Achieving (for SCS only)

High Performing (for SCS only)

Exceeding (for SCS only)

Number of civil servants without a performance rating recorded in 23/24

Total promotion (as of 31.03.25)

AO

5

0

0

0

0

4

9

EO

58

1

0

0

0

33

92

HEO

127

1

0

0

0

65

193

SEO

115

0

0

0

0

42

157

G7

58

0

0

0

0

34

92

G6

9

0

0

0

0

16

25

SCS1

0

0

1

2

5

0

8

Total

372

2

1

2

5

194

576
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_200
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_200

Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many and what proportion of staff in each grade were rated in the top performance category in the last year. \p Kate Dearden: The information provided below relates to the recorded ratings on the Department’s HR information system for the period of 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025, in line with the Department’s performance cycle.

Delegated grades within the Department have two performance ratings - Met and Not Met.

Delegated Grades Performance Ratings Distribution for 2024/25

Met

Not Met

Proportion in Met (of those with a recorded rating)

AO

23

0

100.00%

EO

198

8

96.12%

HEO

537

12

97.81%

FS

0

0

0%

SEO

874

12

98.65%

G7

853

6

99.30%

G6

267

0

100.00%

Total

2752

38

98.64%

Senior Civil Servants (SCS) have four box ratings ‘Exceeding’, High Performing’ ‘Achieving’ and ‘Partially Met’. Exceeding is the top box rating.

Total Top Rating (Exceeding)

Total Eligible

Proportion in Exceeded (out of total Eligible)

SCS1

30

221

14%

SCS2

8

57

14%

SCS3

1

10

10%

Total

39

288

14%
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_201
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_201

Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many disciplinary cases were concluded against civil servants in (a) the Department and (b) its agencies by (i) outcome and (ii) whether the primary allegation related to (A) performance and (B) conduct in the last twelve months. \p Kate Dearden: The number of cases concluded against civil servants within the Department for Business and Trade in the previous year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 are as below.

Core DBT:

Performance

Timeframe

Total Number

No Action / Informal Action

Warning

Resignation

Dismissal

1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025

35

21

8

<5

<5

Conduct

Timeframe

Total Number

No Action / Informal Action

Warning

Resignation

Dismissal

1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025

20

13

<5

<5

<5

Insolvency Service

Performance

Timeframe

Total Number

No Action / Informal Action

Warning

Resignation

Dismissal

1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025

9

0

<5

0

6

Conduct

Timeframe

Total Number

No Action / Informal Action

Warning

Resignation

Dismissal

1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025

10

<5

<5

0

<5

Companies House:

Performance

Timeframe

Total Number

No Action / Informal Action

Warning

Resignation

Dismissal

1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025

6

0

<5

0

<5

Conduct

Timeframe

Total Number

No Action / Informal Action

Warning

Resignation

Dismissal

1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025

5

0

<5

0

<2
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_202
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_202

Neil O'Brien:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what the average number of working days lost to sickness absence per full-time equivalent member of staff was in (a) the Department and (b) its executive agencies in the last year; and how many formal performance warnings were issued to staff whose absence exceeded departmental triggers. \p Kate Dearden: A) The table shows the average number of working days lost (AWDL) to sickness absence per staff in DBT and its executive agencies in the last year (between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025)

Organisation

AWDL

Department for Business and Trade

3.58 days

Executive agencies

Companies House

7.6 days

Insolvency Service

6.9 days

B) In the previous year (1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025) there were the following in relation to formal warnings issued to staff whose absence exceeded departmental triggers:

DBT: 11 formal warnings.

Insolvency Service: 12 formal warnings.

Companies House: 6 formal warnings.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_203
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_203

Liam Byrne:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the policy papers entitled Spending Review 2025, published on 30 June 2025, and Budget 2025, published on 28 November 2025, what their Department’s capital Departmental Expenditure Limit (DEL) will be in each year of the Spending Review period; how much capital funding has been allocated to each of their Department’s programmes; and how much and what proportion of the capital DEL allocation remains unallocated in each year. \p Kate Dearden: The Department for Business and Trade’s capital Departmental Expenditure Limit (CDEL) settlement in each year of the Spending Review period is:

Individual programme allocations are subject to annual internal planning. The Department’s CDEL settlement across all years of the Spending Review includes:

There is currently no unallocated capital funding in the Department, and allocations remain subject to the regular review of the Department’s capital spending plans.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_204
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_204

Alex Mayer:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps the Government is taking to support the UK tyre retreading industry in the context of rising imports of single-life budget tyres; and what assessment the Government has made of the impact of such imports on circular economy objectives and domestic manufacturing jobs. \p Chris Bryant: Following reviews by the Trade Remedies Authority, the Government varied and extended anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures on imports of Chinese bus and lorry tyres on 1 August 2025. These measures are in place to protect the UK tyre retreading industry from unfair trading practices, and support jobs.

The Department remains vigilant to any reports of potential injury to the UK tyre retreading industry. Affected producers should speak to the TRA in the first instance.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_205
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_205

Wendy Chamberlain:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many in-person inspections were carried out by the Employment Agencies Standards Inspectorate in Scotland in each of the last five years. \p Kate Dearden: The Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (EAS) has the budget for 35 members of staff.

EAS currently have one member of staff that is based in Scotland, but all staff can be deployed across the whole of Great Britain as required.

Based on EAS management information, the table below sets out the number of in person or online visits conducted at the time due to covid restrictions.

Employment Agencies Standards Inspectorate – Scotland Inspections (Last Five Years)

Financial Year

Number of Inspections

2020/2021

0 (Covid restrictions)

2021/2022

26 (Online inspections due to Covid restrictions)

2022/2023

29

2023/2024

0

2024/2025

55

Total

110
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_206
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_206

Chris Coghlan:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make it his policy to support paid leave for fertility appointments. \p Kate Dearden: Government is committed to supporting working people to balance work with their personal lives, including those navigating fertility treatment. Whilst the government has no plans to introduce a paid leave entitlement for fertility appointments, employers should treat staff fairly and accommodate reasonable requests.

Through the Employment Rights Bill, we are making flexible working available to more people, more easily, which may help employees and employers agree arrangements that support medical appointments, including fertility appointments. Many employers already offer compassionate or flexible working arrangements voluntarily, and we encourage businesses to take supportive action.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_207
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_207

Saqib Bhatti:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to reduce youth unemployment in the context of the hospitality sector. \p Kate Dearden: The Government recognises the importance of the Hospitality in providing employment for young people. At Budget, we announced more than £1.5 billion of investment over the next three years, funding £820m for the Youth Guarantee to support young people to earn or learn, and an additional £725 million for the Growth and Skills Levy. Through the expanded Youth Guarantee, young people aged 16-24 across Great Britain are set to benefit from further support into employment and learning.

We are supporting more than 50,000 young people into apprenticeships in England by fully funding apprenticeship training costs for all eligible 16-24-year-olds, removing the need for non-levy paying employers to co-fund these learners. We are also expanding foundation apprenticeships into sectors such as hospitality and retail, where young people are traditionally recruited.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_208
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_208

Michael Payne:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he has taken to support local high streets. \p Blair McDougall: This government is putting high streets at the heart of economic renewal through our Small and Medium Sized Business Plan and MHCLG's £5 billion Pride in Place programme which will support areas in both of my Honourable Friends' constituencies.

At Budget, we confirmed permanently lower business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure and a £4.3 billion package to protect ratepayer bill increases because of property revaluation.

We also announced £15 million per year to support stronger enforcement on illegal high street activity, alongside other measures covering, retail crime and pro-growth regulatory changes for the retail and hospitality sectors.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_209
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_209

Dr Lauren Sullivan:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he has taken to support local high streets. \p Blair McDougall: This government is putting high streets at the heart of economic renewal through our Small and Medium Sized Business Plan and MHCLG's £5 billion Pride in Place programme which will support areas in both of my Honourable Friends' constituencies.

At Budget, we confirmed permanently lower business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure and a £4.3 billion package to protect ratepayer bill increases because of property revaluation.

We also announced £15 million per year to support stronger enforcement on illegal high street activity, alongside other measures covering, retail crime and pro-growth regulatory changes for the retail and hospitality sectors.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_210
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_210

Richard Baker:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what progress his Department has made in implementing the Industrial Strategy. \p Blair McDougall: The whole of government is focused on delivering the Industrial Strategy to make the UK the best country to invest and grow. We are making progress, including:

· Opening our consultation for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme to reduce electricity costs for IS-8 and foundational sectors.

· Agreeing a landmark UK-US pharmaceuticals deal, safeguarding medicines access and driving vital investment for UK patients and businesses.

· Supporting Industrial Strategy Zones, including the Forth Green Freeport, where advanced manufacturing and clean energy industries will thrive.