Written question asked by Nick St Aubyn (Conservative) on Monday, 23 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 May 2001. It was answered by Alan Johnson (Labour) on Thursday, 3 May 2001 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, If he will make a statement on his policy on the application of the minimum wage to housesitters. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Mr. St. Aubyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his policy on the application of the minimum wage to house-sitters. [159087] Mr. Alan Johnson: The minimum wage covers workers and if a house-sitter meets the definition of a worker then he or she is covered. There is flexibility in the regulations to cater for the unusual arrangements involved in house-sitting and my officials are meeting the agencies to discuss this. A case involving house-sitters is due to be heard by an employment tribunal later this month. It is not appropriate, therefore, for the Government to comment further.

Secondary information