§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what monitoring his Department undertakes of the implementation of Government policies on wages and union recognition in companies in South Wales. [81921]
§ Mr. HainWages
The Government asked the Low Pay Commission to monitor and evaluate the introduction and impact of the national minimum wage with particular reference to the effects on pay, employment and competitiveness. The Commission has been asked to report its findings by December. However, all employers in Wales will need to act within the law respecting the provisions of minimum wage legislation.
Union Recognition
The Employment Relations Bill, which contains a statutory procedure for trade union recognition, is currently being considered in another place. The Government is committed to reviewing the operation of such a procedure once it is in place.