HC Deb 08 April 1968 vol 762 c865
12. Mr. Goodhew

asked the Minister of Social Security whether she will consider taking steps to remedy the anomaly whereby employers pay full insurance contributions for part-time workers.

Mr. Pentland

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Chelsea (Mr. Worsley) on 4th March.—[Vol. 760, c. 23.]

Mr. Goodhew

But is the hon. Gentleman not aware that this is a great disincentive, as is the Selective Employment Tax, to those who might otherwise employ part-time workers? This particularly applies to the elderly. Will he not consider this matter again?

Mr. Pentland

No, Sir. We do not think that it would be a disincentive. In fact, if we shifted the contribution to the employer, it could discourage him from employing part-time workers.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Will my hon. Friend consider a review of the part-time workers in newsagents, for example, in which trade the hours fall just above the 21 hours a week, which very much affects the payment for S.E.T. purposes in particular? Could he reconsider the period fixed for employment?

Mr. Pentland

If my hon. Friend wishes to put a Question about particular types of employment, I will do my best to answer it.