2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:19 pm on 27 September 2022.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour 2:19, 27 September 2022

Thank you. In relation to your question around privatisation and outsourcing, obviously, the private sector plays a crucial role in the Welsh economy and the delivery of some of our public services, but we are committed to providing those services in a way that puts people first and not profit first. The motivations for outsourcing or insourcing can be many and varied, and expertise and capacity are often the drivers for outsourcing, however, we are very clear that outsourcing should not be used to erode workers' pay or their terms and conditions. You'll be aware that the social partnership and public procurement Bill is being brought forward, and that will require certain public bodies to consider socially responsible clauses in all major construction and outsourcing contracts, and ensure that these are delivered throughout the supply chains.

In relation to promoting the use of British Sign Language, obviously, the new curriculum in Wales is now being used right across primary schools in Wales, and using British Sign Language is on the curriculum alongside English and other languages, and the guidance that's been brought forward to support progression in BSL for deaf BSL users as well as allowing schools to choose to introduce BSL to other learners as a second, third, or even subsequent language. I know the Minister is working very closely with the regional educational consortia and partnerships funded by the Welsh Government to support schools. We've commissioned new resources to support teaching and learning BSL in schools and settings in Wales, and the first will be available later this term for free on Hwb, the all-Wales learning platform.