HC Deb 19 April 1994 vol 241 cc730-1
7. Mr. Heald

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what estimates his Department has made of the proportion of those working part time who want to work full time.

Miss Widdecombe

The labour force survey estimates for autumn 1993 show that under 14 per cent. of those working part time did so because they could not find a full-time job.

Mr. Heald

Does my hon. Friend agree that while few part-timers want to work full time, a substantial number of full-timers—about a third—would like to work part time? Does she agree that labour market flexibility is the key not only to lower unemployment but to increased competitiveness and meeting the wishes of working people?

Miss Widdecombe

I endorse what my hon. Friend said about the great opportunities offered by part-time work. The fact that more part-time opportunities are on offer for those who choose and prefer them, enabling more women to combine economic work with family responsibilities if they want to, can only be welcomed.

Mr. Frank Field

Does the Minister accept that the national insurance system discriminates against employers who wish to create full-time jobs? Is she aware of the hardship that that causes to many families and the effect on public finances? As the economy slowly recovers, jobs are being taken by people who are not registered as unemployed and there is no saving in dole queue money. The wages paid to those employees are so low that they do not pay much tax. If the Government cannot wipe out discrimination for the right reasons, will they do so for other reasons? There are good, sound economic reasons for putting the public finances into equilibrium again.

Miss Widdecombe

The best way to encourage employers to employ part-time or full-time workers—as best suits their business needs and the wishes of their employees—is to reduce burdens on business. That has been, and will continue to be, the thrust of the Government's employment policy.

Mr. Dickens

Is not it a fact that many people very much value the opportunity to work part time, whether in catering, nursing homes, rest homes, education, school dinners or whatever? Is not it also serious when a judgment forces on the House of Commons and the establishment restrictions and obligations on employers? Nothing will undermine people's right to work part time more than restrictions placed on employers.

Miss Widdecombe

The answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's question is yes. It is right that people have those choices, which provide tremendous opportunities. The answer to the second part of his question, as I have said several times today, is that we are considering most carefully the implications of the Lords judgment arid how to implement it. The burdens on business will obviously be one of our considerations.

Mrs. Clwyd

What about people who cannot work full time or part time because the Government deny them that opportunity? Has not the Government's pit closure programme dumped thousands of former miners on the economic scrap heap, like the miners at Tower colliery, who this afternoon were forced to accept closure because yesterday the wages of every miner at the pit were cut? British Coal and the Secretary of State have lied through their teeth.

Madam Speaker

Order. That statement is unacceptable in this House. I ask the hon. Lady to rephrase it.

Mrs. Clwyd

I will withdraw that statement. The Secretary of State and British Coal have told blatant untruths.

Madam Speaker

Order. The English language is very rich. I am sure that the hon. Lady can do even better and I ask her to try.

Mrs. Clwyd

British Coal and the Secretary of State have been peddling untruths.

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