Written question asked by Tim Loughton (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 22 February 2005. It was answered by Gerry Sutcliffe (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 February 2005 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what plans she has to strengthen the employment rights of homeworkers (a) to enable them to claim the minimum wage and (b) to give them greater legal protection.

Answer: Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to strengthen the employment rights of homeworkers (a) to enable them to claim the minimum wage and (b) to give them greater legal protection. [210210] Mr. Sutcliffe: The Government introduced regulations last year so that employers have to pay output workers (including homeworkers) either the minimum wage for every hour they work or pay a fair piece rate that allows an average worker to earn the minimum wage. From April 2005 the fair piece rates will need to be multiplied-up by 1.2, at which point most homeworkers should be entitled to the minimum wage. We have also been considering the position of homeworkers as part of the Employment Status Review and aim to issue a response this year.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 210210; 431 c555W;431 c551W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Conditions of employment Remote working Protection Minimum wage Regulation
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk