3. 2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:39 pm on 27 June 2017.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Jane Hutt Jane Hutt Labour 2:39, 27 June 2017

Thank you, Jenny Rathbone. I think it is important that Tesco realises the public are very concerned—their customers are very concerned, about the way that their workforce has been treated in Cardiff. And, of course, so many people working, and families and communities, are affected by their devastating announcement last week. It just indicates their lack of understanding and recognition of the loyalty and the commitment that has very clearly come over from the staff at Tesco House. I think I have mentioned ways in which, of course, we are working with the support agencies locally—Careers Wales, Jobcentre Plus, colleges and Cardiff council—and working with the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers as well, and also with the Welsh contact centre forum, because, of course, skilled staff coming into the jobs market over the next year is important to secure alternative employment, and also significant interest from companies across the region to absorb the talent and skills in the financial and professional services sector, and employment opportunities created at other regulated customer service centres. It is important, though, that that message goes back to Tesco about that level of political and public concern about the support we can give.

On your second point, of course it’s the impact of excessive gambling where our responsibility is particularly. I mean, obviously, prevention is crucial, and I think this is an area where I’m sure we can see an appropriate way in which a debate or statement could be made.