HC Deb 18 December 1984 vol 70 cc106-7W
26. Mr. Prescott

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his Department's estimate of the numbers of home workers; if he is satisfied with their employment conditions; and when the Home Working Advisory Committee last gave him any advice.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

There are estimated to be 285,000 people working at home in the United Kingdom. Their conditions of employment is one of the areas under scrutiny in the current programme of research into home working. The Home Working Advisory Committee last met in January 1979.

67. Mr. Ray Powell

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he has any plans to improve the enforcement of minimum pay rates for home workers.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

The current arrangements for checking the pay of home workers covered by wages councils are considered to be adequate. Last year 3 per cent. of those whose pay was checked were found to be paid less than the legal minimum.