Home Work Convention

HC Deb 17 February 2000 vol 344 cc633-4W

Mr. Ian Stewart

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans the Government have to ratify ILO Convention No. 177 on Home Work; and if he will make a statement. [110381]

Mr. Alan Johnson

The Government are committed to fair and decent minimum standards for all workers, including those who work from home. Our approach is fully in line with the principles of the ILO Convention which calls for policies to promote equality of treatment between homeworkers and other workers. The Government White Paper published in December 1997 makes it clear that we are working towards ratification of the Convention, on a basis which does not impose excessive burdens on business.