www.gov.uk<\/a>, small and medium sized enterprises in Yorkshire and the Humber can access business advice through their local Growth Hubs. Led and governed by Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), Growth Hubs provide a free, impartial, \u2018single point of contact\u2019 to help businesses in the area identify and access the right support for them at the right time no matter their size or sector. The LEPs which cover Yorkshire and the Humber have self-reported that in FY2017-2018 their Growth Hubs supported over 12,000\u202fbusinesses and helped over 900 individuals start a business.<\/p>The Humber LEP area is being supported with up to £83.4m of investment through the Regional Growth Fund, which includes £30m awarded to the Humber LEP for a business support programme. The Growing Places Fund is supporting business growth investment across the Humber with funding worth £8.8m. The Humber LEP\u2019s \u2018Growing the Humber\u2019 business investment programme has supported the creation of over 2,800 jobs to date.<\/p>
The Government-backed British Business Bank\u2019s Start-Up Loans programme provides loans to entrepreneurs seeking to start and grow their own businesses. Since 2012, 5,482 loans have been issued in the Yorkshire and the Humber region, totalling over £45m, and with an average loan amount of £8,249. In the Haltemprice and Howden constituency, 103 loans have been issued, totalling £926,277 (as at end-June 2019).<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4487", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Rochester and Strood"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Kelly Tolhurst"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-07-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-07-16T16:40:47.44Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "201"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2019-07-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Small Businesses: Yorkshire and the Humber"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent steps he has taken to support small businesses in (a) Yorkshire and the Humber and (b) Haltemprice and Howden constituency.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/373", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir David Davis"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Haltemprice and Howden"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr David Davis"}
], "uin" : "275117"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1137818", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1137818/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
A reference to Herbert Smith Freehills was omitted from my answer to Question 272157 inadvertently. I can confirm that the six law firms previously listed provide legal support to Post Office Limited and are permitted to subcontract to others within the terms of their contract with the Post Office. In addition, Post Office Limited has instructed Herbert Smith Freehills in respect of the Group Litigation.<\/p>
<\/p>
The selection of law firms to provide legal services to Post Office Limited is an operational matter for the company in which Government plays no role.<\/p>
<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4487", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Rochester and Strood"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Kelly Tolhurst"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-07-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "previousAnswerVersion" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1137818/answer/previousversion/129146", "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4487", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Rochester and Strood"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Kelly Tolhurst"}
}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-07-16T15:32:29.477Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "201"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2019-07-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Post Office: Herbert Smith Freehills"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 8 July 2019 to Question 272157, in what capacity the law firm Herbert Smith Freehills is acting on behalf of Post Office Limited; and for what reason that firm was not listed in the six law firms framework agreement, as outlined in Question 272157.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1438", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Beamish"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "North Durham"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Kevan Jones"}
], "uin" : "275136"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1137835", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1137835/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The introduction of \u2018pre-termination negotiations\u2019 or \u2018protected conversations\u2019 in July 2013, provided greater flexibility to the existing arrangements, for employers to have conversations with employees, with a view to ending their employment (even where no employment dispute exists), that can be treated as confidential.<\/p>
<\/p>
By their very nature, these conversations are not recorded and may only be disclosed in an employment tribunal to prove improper behaviour.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4487", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Rochester and Strood"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Kelly Tolhurst"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-07-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-07-16T16:42:07.637Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "201"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2019-07-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Employment: Arbitration"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the (a) trends in the number and (b) effectiveness of the use of protected conversations since their introduction.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4418", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Justin Madders"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Ellesmere Port and Neston"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Justin Madders"}
], "uin" : "275221"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1137849", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1137849/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Any form of sexual harassment or discrimination in the workplace is clearly unacceptable. The Government does not accept any behaviour that causes people to feel intimidated or humiliated in the workplace.<\/p>
<\/p>
The Government has consulted on proposals to prevent the misuse of confidentiality clauses in cases of sexual harassment and discrimination. It will be publishing a response with its final proposals, in due course.<\/p>
<\/p>
We have launched a consultation on sexual harassment in the workplace led by the Government Equalities Office. This consultation welcomes suggestions of alternative interventions to prevent and better monitor cases of sexual harassment and discrimination.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4487", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Rochester and Strood"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Kelly Tolhurst"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-07-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-07-15T13:30:15.24Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "201"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2019-07-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Hospitality Industry: Sexual Harassment"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent assessment he has made of trends in the level of the use of non-disclosure agreements for incidences of sexual harassment in the fast food hospitality sector.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/308", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Jim Cunningham"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Coventry South"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Jim Cunningham"}
], "uin" : "275108"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1137850", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1137850/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The early May bank holiday will move from 4 to 8 May 2020 to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of VE Day. This is to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to honour our heroes of the Second World War. The Government acknowledges that the decision will bring economic benefits to some sectors and businesses and some disruption to others. The Government has corresponded directly with representatives from the calendar printing industry and has no plans for compensation.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4487", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Rochester and Strood"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Kelly Tolhurst"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-07-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-07-16T16:40:33.777Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "201"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2019-07-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Business: Public Holidays"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the Government has plans to compensate printers and other businesses for costs incurred by the date change for May Bank Holiday in 2020; and if he will make a statement.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/69", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Oliver Heald"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "North East Hertfordshire"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Sir Oliver Heald"}
], "uin" : "275093"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1137415", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1137415/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
In the UK, employed pregnant women and new mothers have a \u2018day one\u2019 right to 52 weeks of Maternity Leave; and, if eligible, they are entitled to 39 weeks of pay.<\/p>
<\/p>
The Department has no current plans to extend the period of statutory Maternity Leave, and so I have not had any discussions on this subject with my rt. hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4487", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Rochester and Strood"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Kelly Tolhurst"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-07-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-07-15T13:30:54.527Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "201"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2019-07-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Maternity Leave"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has held discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on extending the period of statutory maternity leave.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4131", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jim Shannon"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Strangford"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Jim Shannon"}
], "uin" : "274539"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1137480", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1137480/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Any form of bullying and harassment is unacceptable and has no place in today\u2019s workplace. Current legislation provides robust safeguards for employees against harassment in the workplace. This covers harassment on the grounds of gender, race, disability, religion or believe, sexual orientation or age. The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 and the Protection from Harrassment Act 1997 make intentional harassment a criminal offence.<\/p>
<\/p>
However, whilst it is important to have a safety net of legislation to protect employees from the worst form of abuses, the best way to address bad behaviour is through cultural change within the workplace. Employers can, for example, establish good practices through a clear anti-harassment policy and ensuring all staff receive training in this area.<\/p>
<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4487", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Rochester and Strood"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Kelly Tolhurst"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-07-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-07-15T13:31:02.94Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "201"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2019-07-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Employment: Bullying"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to ban bullying in the workplace.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4621", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Darren Jones"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Bristol North West"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Darren Jones"}
], "uin" : "274614"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1137504", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1137504/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
There are existing provisions to protect job seekers contained within the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003 (as amended).<\/p>
<\/p>
Under GDPR the processing of personal data is generally prohibited, unless it is expressly allowed by law or the data subject has consented to the processing. Consent must be freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous. Job seekers can therefore use these provisions to ensure their personal data is not being used inappropriately for purposes they have not consented to. Should anyone feel that their data has been misused under the provisions of GDPR they can contact the Information Commissioners Office.<\/p>
<\/p>
The Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003 (as amended) restrict an employment business or agency from using work seekers\u2019 personal information and precludes them from sharing that information with multi-level marketing companies. The Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate investigates complaints of an employment business or agency passing on personal information erroneously.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4487", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Rochester and Strood"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Kelly Tolhurst"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-07-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-07-11T13:03:22.857Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "201"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2019-07-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Pyramid Selling: Unemployed People"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to ensure job seekers are not targeted by multi-level marketing companies.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4658", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Alex Sobel"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Leeds North West"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Alex Sobel"}
], "uin" : "274627"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1137065", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1137065/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Government recognises the challenges of balancing work and care. Improving support for carers to do so is a key part of the action plan that we published in June 2018<\/p>
The Department is working with colleagues across Government to consider the question of dedicated employment rights for carers alongside existing employment rights (such as the right to request flexible working and the right to time off for family and dependants). We intend to bring forward a consultation in due course.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4487", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Rochester and Strood"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Kelly Tolhurst"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-07-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-07-09T14:53:00.453Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "201"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2019-07-05", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Care Workers: Conditions of Employment"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will provide more details on his plans for dedicated employment rights for care workers.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/478", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Field of Birkenhead"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Birkenhead"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Frank Field"}
], "uin" : "273332"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1137132", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1137132/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Government welcomes campaigns such as Oxfam\u2019s \u2018Behind the Price\u2019 with the supermarket scorecard that is a part of it and which includes scores for the fair treatment of women.<\/p>
<\/p>
The Government recognises the positive competitive environment which benchmarks of this type help to create, whereby businesses aim to be at the top of an annual ranking. At the same time, such benchmarks enable consumers, investors, civil society and regulators to challenge those businesses who could improve, using this evidence base.<\/p>
<\/p>
The retail sector recognises it has a responsibility on these issues and is pioneering responsible sourcing practices. The Government welcomes industry initiatives in this context such as the British Retail Consortium\u2019s \u2018Better Retail, Better World\u2019. The Government is determined to eliminate exploitation of workers in the food supply chain in the UK. The Modern Slavery Act 2015 increased specialist support for victims and it requires businesses to be transparent about their supply chains. The Government response to the independent review of the legislation will set out how it intends to strengthen this approach further.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4487", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Rochester and Strood"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Kelly Tolhurst"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-07-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "groupedQuestionUIN" : [{"_value" : "273756"}
, {"_value" : "273757"}
], "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-07-15T13:33:26.217Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "201"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2019-07-05", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Supermarkets: Conditions of Employment"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
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