Innovative Technology

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy – in the Senedd at 2:00 pm on 7 July 2021.

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Photo of Vaughan Gething Vaughan Gething Labour 2:00, 7 July 2021

I think that's the important point that the Member makes at the end, because, when deployed responsibly, technology can provide workers with greater flexibility and enable them to be more productive, as many businesses have found during the pandemic. That innovative use of technology has given people that freedom and ability to work remotely in a way that they value.

Now, that doesn't work for every single employee or every business, but it's the inappropriate use of technology that the Member is highlighting, with unscrupulous employers, that can create an environment of fear and distrust. This Welsh Government does not want to see and won't endorse emerging tech and COVID-related working practices being used to create an oppressive or controlling environment for workers.

I can say that, as we continue to have our discussions in the social partnership approach that we have built, which has been of significant benefit to Wales through the pandemic, we'll continue to set out our expectations for a fair work economy, where we balance the needs of businesses to turn a profit, but also their responsibilities to look after their own workers. That's why we continue to work with businesses themselves and with trade unions that represent the interests of the workforce, and I'll be sure to pay this particular area more attention, and I'm grateful to the Member for highlighting the research she's already done on this issue.