HC Deb 25 July 1989 vol 157 cc619-20W
Mr. David Porter

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he has any further plans to encourage employers to establish workplace or shared facility creches or similar incentives further to assist the return to employment of women to counter skill shortages; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Nicholls

My right hon. Friend takes, and will continue to take, every opportunity to encourage employers to help employees combine work and family responsibilities. Workplace nurseries are, however, only one possible way of helping parents with childcare. They can be successful, but it may not always be the most practicable solution. Other possibilities include help with childcare costs in the local home area and rearrangement of working hours and holidays to fit in with school hours and terms. We welcome measures taken by employers including assistance with childcare and the introduction of flexible working hours and family leave. The best way of introducing such measures is through voluntary agreement between employers and employees. Schemes can then be tailored to individual priorities and needs, and available resources.

Fatal injuries Major injuries Rate per 100,000 manshifts
Fatal injuries Major injuries
1984–851 22 378 — —
1985–86 28 715 0.08 2.15
1986–872 15 952 0.05 3.45
1987–882 9 729 0.04 3.24
1988–892 (provisional) 18 685 0.08 3.35
1 This period covers the 15 months January 1984 to March 1985.
2 The introduction of RIDDOR regulations on 1 April 1986 widened the coverage of the "major" injury category.

My Department also plays a full part in the ministerial group on women's issues, which is currently considering the whole question of childcare. The group recently announced a five-point plan on child care which includes encouragement for the use of school premises after school and in holiday periods; support for the voluntary sector through pump-priming of projects and encouragement of partnerships between the voluntary sector and employers. The initiative will also encourage employers to use the tax reliefs available to them when they help their employees with child care.