Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:16 pm on 18 July 2018.
Well I think, as ever, Gareth, that those are very complex matters that you can't simplistically solve by saying that we should have less inward migration to the UK and Wales. You know, we've been in an age of austerity now, sadly, for something like 10 years. It's a deliberate policy choice by the UK Government and it has led to wage stagnation as well as having many other, I would argue, harmful effects.
It was interesting that Jenny mentioned the Basque Country and the fact that they have firms there that have never, ever sacked a single employee, which I think is a great example of responsible and socially responsible employers. I note that Gareth told us that he's had 35 jobs, which is quite a number, Gareth, and good experience to bring to this sort of committee work, but it did strike me that you might think, if you're not successful at the next Assembly election, about getting further details from Jenny Rathbone of that employer in the Basque Country, which provides such sustainable and reliable employment over a period of time. But, of course, I'm sure they have a different attitude to immigration than yours, which would facilitate your movement, were you so inclined.
Can I say as well, Llywydd, that it is really important, I think, as Gareth mentioned, that we take procurement down to the subcontractor level? We do address that in the report, and I know that Welsh Government is alive to the need to not just look at those getting initial contracts from Welsh Government, but also the subcontractors that feed off that business, because, obviously, those subcontractors employ quite a number of people and we need to make sure that they're reached by the sort of good practice and responsible employment code of ethics on employment that we expect from the initial contractors under the procurement policy.
Llywydd, as I've said, there are a number of matters that we will return to as a committee. We do welcome the Welsh Government's shift in approach to economic development. We want to see the good intentions followed through in concrete actions that will really deliver for those at the sharp end of the economy, and we will keep a close eye on relevant developments and the implementation of our accepted recommendations—those accepted in full and those accepted in part. In particular, we will revisit them following publications of the procurement review and the outputs from the fair work commission. We will also continue to make that case for a cross-cutting anti-poverty strategy.
I'd like to conclude once again by thanking all of those who contributed to our inquiry. Diolch yn fawr.