§ Ms. RichardsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what is the median rate of pay for homeworkers/outworkers; what are the highest and lowest levels and what occupations predominate at these levels;
(2) if he will provide details of the number of people engaged in homework or outwork in the last five years; their sex, age, income and number of dependent children.
§ Mr. ForthThere are no routine statistics on homeworkers and outworkers. However, some information is available in Department of Employment research paper No. 60 "Home-based Work in Britain", published in May 1987. Tables 6.4 to 6.8 give earnings data; tables 3.1 to 3.4 provide details of the occupational distribution; and tables 4.1, 4.2, 4.8 and 4.15 contain breakdowns of numbers. All the data relate to 1981. A copy of the paper has been placed in the Library.
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§ Ms. RichardsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will seek to extend health and safety legislation to include homeworkers.
§ Mr. ForthHomeworkers, whether employed or self-employed, are already afforded the same protection as other workers under the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and subsidiary legislation.
§ Ms. RichardsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will provide details of the companies which have used homeworkers or outworkers in the last five years.