{ "format" : "linked-data-api", "version" : "0.2", "result" : {"_about" : "https://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?max-ddpCreated=2014-12-09T00%3A51%3A29.587Z&min-answer.questionFirstAnswered.=2014-12-08T15%3A43%3A27.97Z&max-questionFirstAnswered.=2014-12-15T14%3A47%3A51.887Z", "definition" : "https://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/meta/answeredquestions.text?max-ddpCreated=2014-12-09T00%3A51%3A29.587Z&min-answer.questionFirstAnswered.=2014-12-08T15%3A43%3A27.97Z&max-questionFirstAnswered.=2014-12-15T14%3A47%3A51.887Z", "extendedMetadataVersion" : "https://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?max-ddpCreated=2014-12-09T00%3A51%3A29.587Z&min-answer.questionFirstAnswered.=2014-12-08T15%3A43%3A27.97Z&_metadata=all&max-questionFirstAnswered.=2014-12-15T14%3A47%3A51.887Z", "first" : "https://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?_page=0&max-ddpCreated=2014-12-09T00%3A51%3A29.587Z&min-answer.questionFirstAnswered.=2014-12-08T15%3A43%3A27.97Z&max-questionFirstAnswered.=2014-12-15T14%3A47%3A51.887Z", "hasPart" : "https://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?max-ddpCreated=2014-12-09T00%3A51%3A29.587Z&min-answer.questionFirstAnswered.=2014-12-08T15%3A43%3A27.97Z&max-questionFirstAnswered.=2014-12-15T14%3A47%3A51.887Z", "isPartOf" : "https://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?max-ddpCreated=2014-12-09T00%3A51%3A29.587Z&min-answer.questionFirstAnswered.=2014-12-08T15%3A43%3A27.97Z&max-questionFirstAnswered.=2014-12-15T14%3A47%3A51.887Z", "items" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/168442", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business, Innovation and Skills"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/168442/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

We will not be repeating the 1968-71 experiment of continuous British Summer Time (GMT+1), as there is no consensus across the whole of the UK for this experiment to take place. There are both negative and positive effects, but until a UK wide consensus is confirmed we have no plans to change the clocks.<\/p>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4284", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Neville-Rolfe"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Neville-Rolfe"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-12-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-12-15T14:09:29.693Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "26"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Innovation and Skills"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Innovation and Skills"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-12-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Summertime"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty\u2019s Government whether the 1968\u201371 experiment of continuous British Summer Time (GMT+1) will be repeated to obtain updated statistics in order to select the best clock time for daylight saving during the winter months.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3200", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Tanlaw"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Tanlaw"} ], "uin" : "HL3472"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/168464", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/168464/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

All school staff have a responsibility to identify children who may be in need of extra help or who are suffering, or are likely to suffer, significant harm. All staff then have a responsibility to take appropriate action, working with other services as required. Those responsibilities, which apply to the risk of forced marriage as to any other form of abuse, are set out in \u2018Keeping Children Safe in Education\u2019 statutory guidance for schools and their staff which the Government published in April 2014.[1]<\/p>

The statutory guidance contains links to more detailed guidance on specific risks, including multi-Agency guidelines on forced marriage.[2] The chapter of those guidelines which focuses on schools, colleges and universities indicates: what teachers should look out for, such as changes in behaviour or attendance or the early marriage of a sibling; how they can support girls, by giving access to support and advice; and what they should do if they suspect a girl is being forced into marriage, including activating local child protection procedures.<\/p>

[1] www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education<\/a><\/p>

[2] www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/322307/HMG_MULTI_AGENCY_PRACTICE_GUIDELINES_v1_180614_FINAL.pdf<\/a><\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4270", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Nash"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Nash"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-12-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-12-10T17:11:53.927Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-12-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Forced Marriage"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty\u2019s Government whether they will clarify the role of teachers in monitoring girls at risk of being forced into under-age marriage.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4308", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for The Lord Bishop of St Albans"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "The Lord Bishop of St Albans"} ], "uin" : "HL3494"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/168480", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Transport"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/168480/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The UK Government has welcomed the Smith Commission Agreement and has committed to delivering draft clauses by 25 January 2015. The Government will now prepare draft clauses in order that the Agreement can be implemented. This includes the recommendation to devolve the functions of the British Transport Police. We are considering how these can best be devolved whilst ensuring that the security of the railway, its passengers and staff, is not compromised. Once the functions of the British Transport Police have been devolved it will be for the Scottish Government to decide how to police the railway network in Scotland.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1557", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Kramer"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Kramer"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-12-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-12-15T12:19:59.177Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "27"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-12-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "British Transport Police: Scotland"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty\u2019s Government what consideration they have given to Recommendation 67 of the Smith Commission Report and its implications for the British Transport Police.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/2671", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Harris of Haringey"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Harris of Haringey"} ], "uin" : "HL3510"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/168558", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Attorney General"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/168558/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

Over the last 12 months a total of twenty-five permanent staff over the age of 65 have worked in the Attorney General\u2019s Office, Treasury Solicitor\u2019s Office and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate.<\/p>

In December 2013 and January 2014 the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) had 4 permanent members of staff who worked after their 65 birthday. From February 2014 the SFO had 5 members of staff who worked after their 65 birthday.<\/p>

During the period 1 December 2013 \u2013 30 November 2014 the Crown Prosecution Service employed 76 people who were aged 65 or over.<\/p>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4106", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Robert Buckland"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Swindon"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Robert Buckland"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-12-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-12-15T12:33:50.733Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "88"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Attorney General"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Attorney General"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-12-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Older Workers"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Attorney General, how many people worked in his Department after their 65th birthday in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3929", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Simon Kirby"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Brighton, Kemptown"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Simon Kirby"} ], "uin" : "217630"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/168559", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Attorney General"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/168559/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The only sums paid to date by the Treasury Solicitor\u2019s Department are disbursements in the sum of £61,229.59. There are additional disbursements paid by the Ministry of Justice direct.<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4106", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Robert Buckland"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Swindon"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Robert Buckland"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-12-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-12-15T12:42:24.8Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "88"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Attorney General"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Attorney General"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-12-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Legal Costs"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Attorney General, how much has been paid by the Treasury Solicitor's Department in legal costs relating to the case of the Public Law Project v. The Secretary of State for Justice ([2014] EWHC 2365 (Admin)).", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1170", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sarah Teather"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Brent Central"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Sarah Teather"} ], "uin" : "217667"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/168561", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Attorney General"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/168561/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

There has been correspondence between the Charity Commission, the trustees and the Attorney General\u2019s Office over the National Fund.<\/p>

The Fund is operated in accordance with its rules and section 9 of the Superannuation and Other Trust Funds (Validation) Act 1927. It is accumulating as the original donors intended.<\/p>

Options are being considered for the future of the Fund, consistent with its object of extinguishing or reducing the national debt. These include a possible application to the court for directions. The consideration of these options includes looking at the history of donations to the Fund. Whilst this work is on-going, it would not be appropriate to comment further.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4106", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Robert Buckland"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Swindon"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Robert Buckland"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-12-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-12-11T16:01:37.003Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "88"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Attorney General"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Attorney General"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-12-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "National Fund"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Attorney General, what his policy is on the future of the National Fund; whether he has considered the early application of the Fund to reduce the national debt; what other options for the future of the Fund he has considered and (a) dismissed and (b) kept under consideration; and what donations have been made to the Fund in each of the last 30 years.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/28", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Norman Baker"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Lewes"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Norman Baker"} ], "uin" : "217758"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/168563", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business, Innovation and Skills"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/168563/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) constantly keeps its delivery arrangements under review to ensure that funding of skills programmes is efficient and effective, as well as responsive to policy priorities to increase take-up of apprenticeships and traineeships for young people.<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

The Skills Funding Agency works closely with the Education Funding Agency on the funding of Further Education college provision and funding of apprenticeships and traineeships for 16-19 year olds. We have recently appointed Peter Lauener as joint Chief Executive of both agencies to make the most of the clear synergies between the two agencies. This exemplifies the commitment we have to promoting joined up Government. The Skills Funding Agency and Education Funding Agency share a number of services to ensure they function as efficiently as possible.<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

The Skills Funding Agency has recently been through significant restructuring exercises reducing staffing levels by 50% and administration budget by 37%. In addition the regional office structure was reduced from 54 offices to six offices.<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3995", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Nick Boles"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Grantham and Stamford"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Nick Boles"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-12-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-12-11T16:23:44.717Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "26"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Innovation and Skills"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Innovation and Skills"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-12-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Education Funding Agency: Skills Funding Agency"} , "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, Innovation and Skills, what assessment he has now made of the potential efficiency gains that could result from a merger of the Education Funding Agency and Skills Funding Agency.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/28", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Norman Baker"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Lewes"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Norman Baker"} ], "uin" : "217761"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/168565", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business, Innovation and Skills"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/168565/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The Government is committed to the National Minimum Wage and is absolutely clear that everyone who is entitled to it should receive it. Any worker who thinks they have been underpaid should call the Pay and Work Rights Helpline on 0800 917 2368. HMRC investigates every complaint made to the helpline and calls from apprentices are prioritised for consideration.<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

The Government is aware that non-compliance involving apprentices is an issue and we are taking action. We are:<\/p>

<\/p>

· Ensuring that all training providers [in England] deliver on existing obligations to inform employers and apprentices of their NMW requirements.<\/p>

<\/p>

· Improving guidance and information more generally, to ensure we have clear and comprehensive information on the minimum wage rules. In England the National Apprenticeship Service includes information on the NMW in its information pack for employers taking on an apprentice.<\/p>

<\/p>

· Encouraging workers to call the Pay and Work Rights Helpline if they think they are not getting what they are legally entitled to through our communication campaign which began in Sept 2014.<\/p>

<\/p>

· Writing to level 2 & 3 apprentices in England informing them of their NMW entitlement.<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

We have also asked the Low Pay Commission (LPC) to consider whether we can simplify the apprentice rate structure so that it is as clear and simple as possible, in order to support those employers who take on apprentices. The LPC will report back with their recommendations in February 2015.<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

We are continuing to take a tough approach towards all employers that do not comply with the National Minimum Wage (NMW) law, including through making their non-compliance public. 55 employers, including some who underpaid apprentices, have been named so far and between them they owed workers a total of over £139,000 in arrears.<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

The Government has also increased the financial penalty percentage that employers pay for breaking minimum wage law from 50 per cent to 100 per cent of the unpaid arrears owed to workers and the maximum penalty from £5,000 to £20,000. This came into effect on 7 March 2014. We are introducing primary legislation so that the penalty can be calculated on a per worker basis which will substantially increase the penalty for some employers.<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>


<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

There have been no prosecutions since 2010 involving apprentices. Prosecution is reserved for the most serious cases. The Government usually pursues other means, which are more effective, to achieve the key goals of getting workers paid their arrears of wages and deter employers from being non-compliant. For example, the Government policy on the naming scheme and the increase in the NMW civil penalty will have considerable reputational and financial consequences for employers who are non-compliant with the NMW. However, HMRC will refer suitable cases to prosecutors.<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1513", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jo Swinson"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "East Dunbartonshire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Jo Swinson"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-12-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : [{"_value" : "217684"} , {"_value" : "217744"} ], "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-12-11T16:21:02.377Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "26"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Innovation and Skills"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Innovation and Skills"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-12-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Apprentices"} , "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, Innovation and Skills, what plans he has to improve apprentice National Minimum Wage enforcement.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4058", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Paul Blomfield"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Sheffield Central"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Paul Blomfield"} ], "uin" : "217685"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/168567", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business, Innovation and Skills"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/168567/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The main building for the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is 1 Victoria Street, London. This is a building which the Department leases and as such leases the workstations within together with partner organisations. BIS Core occupy a total of 2,601 workstations within this building at a cost of £6067.89 per FTE.<\/p>

<\/p>

Any space within the building is sub-let via a Memorandum of Terms of Occupation agreement and is charged per square metre, not per workstation.<\/p>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1513", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jo Swinson"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "East Dunbartonshire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Jo Swinson"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-12-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-12-15T12:34:13.24Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "26"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Innovation and Skills"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Innovation and Skills"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-12-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Furniture"} , "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, Innovation and Skills, how many desks are in his Department's main building; how many such desks are (a) owned and (b) leased by his Department; and what the cost is per desk of leasing.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1484", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Helen Goodman"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Bishop Auckland"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Helen Goodman"} ], "uin" : "217688"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/168569", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business, Innovation and Skills"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/168569/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The Government is committed to the National Minimum Wage and is absolutely clear that everyone who is entitled to it should receive it. Any worker who thinks they have been underpaid should call the Pay and Work Rights Helpline on 0800 917 2368. HMRC investigates every complaint made to the helpline and calls from apprentices are prioritised for consideration.<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

The Government is aware that non-compliance involving apprentices is an issue and we are taking action. We are:<\/p>

<\/p>

· Ensuring that all training providers [in England] deliver on existing obligations to inform employers and apprentices of their NMW requirements.<\/p>

<\/p>

· Improving guidance and information more generally, to ensure we have clear and comprehensive information on the minimum wage rules. In England the National Apprenticeship Service includes information on the NMW in its information pack for employers taking on an apprentice.<\/p>

<\/p>

· Encouraging workers to call the Pay and Work Rights Helpline if they think they are not getting what they are legally entitled to through our communication campaign which began in Sept 2014.<\/p>

<\/p>

· Writing to level 2 & 3 apprentices in England informing them of their NMW entitlement.<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

We have also asked the Low Pay Commission (LPC) to consider whether we can simplify the apprentice rate structure so that it is as clear and simple as possible, in order to support those employers who take on apprentices. The LPC will report back with their recommendations in February 2015.<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

We are continuing to take a tough approach towards all employers that do not comply with the National Minimum Wage (NMW) law, including through making their non-compliance public. 55 employers, including some who underpaid apprentices, have been named so far and between them they owed workers a total of over £139,000 in arrears.<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

The Government has also increased the financial penalty percentage that employers pay for breaking minimum wage law from 50 per cent to 100 per cent of the unpaid arrears owed to workers and the maximum penalty from £5,000 to £20,000. This came into effect on 7 March 2014. We are introducing primary legislation so that the penalty can be calculated on a per worker basis which will substantially increase the penalty for some employers.<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>


<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

There have been no prosecutions since 2010 involving apprentices. Prosecution is reserved for the most serious cases. The Government usually pursues other means, which are more effective, to achieve the key goals of getting workers paid their arrears of wages and deter employers from being non-compliant. For example, the Government policy on the naming scheme and the increase in the NMW civil penalty will have considerable reputational and financial consequences for employers who are non-compliant with the NMW. However, HMRC will refer suitable cases to prosecutors.<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1513", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jo Swinson"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "East Dunbartonshire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Jo Swinson"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-12-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : [{"_value" : "217684"} , {"_value" : "217685"} ], "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-12-11T16:21:02.837Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "26"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Innovation and Skills"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Innovation and Skills"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-12-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Apprentices"} , "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, Innovation and Skills, with reference to page 5 of his Department's publication, National Minimum Wage, Interim government evidence for the 2015 Low Pay Commission report, published in October 2014, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the rate of non-compliance with the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for apprentices; and what steps he plans to take to increase the rate of compliance with the apprentice NMW.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4058", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Paul Blomfield"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Sheffield Central"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Paul Blomfield"} ], "uin" : "217744"} ], "itemsPerPage" : 10, "next" : "https://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?_page=1&max-ddpCreated=2014-12-09T00%3A51%3A29.587Z&min-answer.questionFirstAnswered.=2014-12-08T15%3A43%3A27.97Z&max-questionFirstAnswered.=2014-12-15T14%3A47%3A51.887Z", "page" : 0, "startIndex" : 1, "totalResults" : 847, "type" : ["http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#ListEndpoint", "http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#Page"]} }