Questions Without Notice from Party Spokespeople

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy and Transport and North Wales – in the Senedd at 1:52 pm on 7 October 2020.

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Photo of Russell George Russell George Conservative 1:52, 7 October 2020

Minister, I agree with the many benefits that you point out that being member of a union can achieve, but the fact is that employers and employees can also work together without being members of a union, which is the point I was making and which was the concern that was being pointed out by those that were frustrated by the letter.

Finally, Minister, looking ahead at your long-term ambition to see around 30 per cent of Welsh workers working from home following the COVID-19 pandemic, you say that this has the potential to drive regeneration and economic activity in communities. However, whilst homeworking may be suitable for some, others see the benefits of real-life interaction, which can stimulate ideas, creativity and business productivity.

The figure of 30 per cent does seem to be arbitrary, so it would be helpful if you could explain how you arrived at that figure. But I wonder also what assessment you've made in regard to how this figure will affect town-centre planning, the growth deals that are dependent and have planned for office space, and also public transport planning and the raft of other planning-related areas as well that will be affected by this figure that you've presented, Minister. But to understand the logic behind 30 per cent would be welcome.