§ Mr. Wrigglesworthasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his estimate of the additional cost to employers of the reduction in the level of rebate from the redundancy fund from 41 per cent. to 35 per cent.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe reduction was included in the Chancellor's outline public expenditure plans announced on 12 November 1984. The estimated saving (that is the cost to employers) was £37 million in a full year.
§ Mr. Wrigglesworthasked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he has taken to publicise to employers the reduction to 35 per cent. in the level of rebate from the redundancy fund which comes into operation on 1 April.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyMy right hon. Friend announced this reduction in his reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Chipping Barnet (Mr. Chapman) on 12 November 1984, at column 100. It has been reported in the business press. We have also corresponded with the CBI and other employers' bodies about the change. The order was debated in both Houses last month. A press notice will be issued when the new rate comes into effect on 1 April.