2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:34 pm on 15 March 2022.

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Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour 2:34, 15 March 2022

Thank you. You will be aware that the Minister for Climate Change issued a written statement—I think it was at the end of last month—confirming the appointment of surveyors and technical experts to undertake survey work in respect of the 248 expressions of interest that were received under the Welsh building safety fund. That work is under way. The Minister for Climate Change will provide a further update to the Senedd on 29 March in relation to the issue you raised in your first question.

Around fire and rehire, we've been very clear as a Government that fire and rehire practices are not consistent with our values of fair work and social partnership. And using the threat of dismissal to diminish employment terms and conditions agreed in good faith is absolutely an abuse of employer power. So, we do expect employers who benefit from public investment to act in the spirit of social partnership, to be focused on the well-being of their workers and, of course, the wider public interest. You'll be aware the Deputy Minister is taking through the social partnership and public procurement Bill. That will introduce new socially responsible procurement duties on public bodies. The UK Government can, and I think it should, use its reserve powers over employment rights to provide greater security, certainty and protections against fire and rehire. The Prime Minister has actually described fire and rehire as unacceptable, but I think, as we all know, it's action not words that are needed.