Diolch yn fawr, Dirprwy Lywydd, and I do thank Helen Mary Jones for tabling this motion and also say that I welcome this debate on how we can improve and encourage equal opportunities, particularly addressing the private sector as well as the public sectors, which we so often focus on, because this is clearly linked to our wider approach to tackling inequality. We know that better, fairer opportunities for everyone, right across the Welsh economy—. You referred, of course, to the Fair Work Commission, and we are acting on the recommendations. Delivering fair work is a cornerstone of our policy programme. We know, of course, that a fairer society where diversity is valued and respected and where people can participate, flourish and fulfil their potential, is the society and economy that we want. 

So, equality and inclusion are integrated and mainstreamed through all six characteristics of fair work, but different approaches—and you've acknowledged this, Helen Mary—would have to be taken into account considering sector context and, for example, size of employers and how they could engage. But I do absolutely understand Helen Mary Jones's call to look at and to consider legislation regarding how we ensure that firms in receipt of Welsh Government grants could then move forward by, helpfully for them and constructively for them, providing an equal opportunities audit.

We will, and we will always, consider legislation where we have the powers to do so, but I think it's right that you focused as well on the fact that we do have other levers. We have procurement levers and non-legislative grants, which can, actually, drive change. We try to drive that change through working in partnership with business, but also with trade unions and with public bodies, to ensure that Government policy is working so that everyone benefits. 

We know that simpler, stronger social partnership arrangements do actually deliver that ambition for better, consistent outcomes, and they do ensure that Welsh workers across all sectors in the economy share in economic growth, but most importantly in fairness in the workplace.

Actually, trade unions, of course, through collective bargaining, have been critical to advancing many workplace equalities. There are employers who also recognise these benefits of a diverse and engaged workforce that is fairly rewarded. So, part of our implementation work of 'Fair Work Wales' involves scoping how, for example, we might be able to include conditions on fair work and equality in funding agreements. 

We already have the scope to attach a range of additional conditions to grants and other forms of financial assistance. We have to strike balances, of course, in terms of what this would mean. It's about developing an approach where employers embrace that change to deliver fair work and greater equality outcomes. That's where we have to, as the Government, manage this process.

So, we've accepted the six priority recommendations in 'Fair Work Wales', we've accepted others in principle and we've begun our journey to becoming a fair work nation. But, I also want to just mention today that this is alongside the commencement of the socioeconomic duty that underscores our commitment to a fairer society, with diversity valued and respected.

This morning, I issued a written statement to Members. I'm glad to have the opportunity to say to Members to look at the statement, because it regards the socioeconomic duty commencement date. We have to ensure that all our public bodies are fully prepared for this, and they are going to be engaged with partners in developing the guidance. We've had good consultation. The duty will now be enacted on 29 September of this year.

Just finally, Dirprwy Lywydd, I think it's important that we're looking across the equality strands. So, last September, I published 'Action on Disability: The Right to Independent Living—Framework and Action Plan', and that requires action across every Government department, including economic development. Yesterday, I published the 'Advancing Gender Equality in Wales Plan', which came out of the Chwarae Teg gender review. It's setting out priority areas for the coming years, focusing on equality of outcome.

I think key to all of this, particularly in terms of the levers we have, is the economic contract, because that's a real tool for change. In fact, the economic contract has to ensure that businesses are making change and demonstrating responsible business behaviours. We have a great deal of soft power, but it is about how we move forward, when we need to legislate and how we can take account of evidence.

So, finally, I'd just say that, particularly in the context of leaving the European Union, the important work that we're carrying out in terms of research on wider options to strengthen and advance equality and human rights in Wales, I think, will help us get the evidence to see whether we need to move forward in terms of legislation in Wales. I'm very grateful for this legislative proposal, and I look forward to working with you and other Members in full on taking this forward.