What is Amendment 271ZZA?
This amendment seeks to ensure that a new government would not be held to the labour market enforcement strategy of a predecessor government for up to three years.
We are fairly neutral on Amendments 271ZZA, 274 and 278 from the noble Lord, Lord Sharpe, which aim at transparency and reviews. They are broadly procedural, but I have some sympathy with the noble Lord’s three-year review, which could be quite sensible. He explains those two amendments with clarity and brings out the blindingly obvious—the lack of cost and the lack of understanding of how this thing will be set up and work in reality.
I intend to ask the Minister some direct questions as well as supporting my noble friend Lord Fox’s amendments regarding the implementation plan, the opportunity for scrutiny and further consultation. First, I turn to what the noble Baroness, Lady Coffey, has been talking about, the fair work agency. We debated its creation and power across several earlier groups and I will not labour that point today. I want to speak clearly in support of Amendments 277 and 328 tabled by my noble friend Lord Fox, and again place on record my regret that he is not able to be with us today. These amendments are central to establishing a credible and accountable agency.
Amendment 277 would require a full review of the agency’s remit, powers, funding and relationship with other enforcement bodies, and would be subject to review, as the noble Lord has said. Amendment 328 would link the commencement of the Act to that process.
I would be grateful if the Minister would clarify the following points for Amendment 271ZZA:
- Do the Government intend to publish a detailed implementation plan and, if so, when?
- Will there be an opportunity for Parliament to formally scrutinise that plan before the agency becomes operational?
- Do the Government anticipate a separate consultation on how the new powers will be exercised in practice?
These are important questions not just for Parliament but for businesses, workers and enforcement bodies that will need to work with that agency and develop a strategy in a live environment. A stronger enforcement body is undoubtedly needed, but it needs to be under- pinned by clarity, accountability and proper scrutiny. My noble friend Lord Fox’s amendments offer a thoughtful and proportional framework to achieve that, and I commend them to the Committee.