§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is aware that the work of home-workers sometimes involves the use of heavy and potentially dangerous machinery without the protection of the Factories Acts or the supervision of factory inspectors, and in limited spaces; and if he will review the position with a view to legislation on the subject.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithI am aware that the provisions of the Factories Act do not apply to machinery used by home-workers. Proposals for a Safety and Health at Work 85W Bill have recently been published by my Department. They cover virtually all people who work, including the self-employed and, if implemented, would protect home-working.
§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the classes of work carried out by home-workers in which registration is not required; and if he will consider requiring all categories to be registered and to allow access to the register by not only Government inspectors but others.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithI regret that information about such classes of work is not readily available. Proposals for a Safety and Health at Work Bill have recently been published by my Department and my right hon. Friend considers that any changes in the arrangements for notification of home-workers should await the outcome of this legislation.
§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make it a requirement that the employer of home-workers should report to the Factory Inspectorate the installation of machinery in a home; if he will require an employer to inform home-workers of the Wages Council rate for the job; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithProposals for a Safety and Health at Work Bill have recently been published by my Department. My right hon. Friend considers that any changes in the provisions relating to home-workers should await the outcome of this proposed legislation. Where wages regulations orders apply, the employer is required to post copies of notices setting out current minimum wage rates. As regards home-workers, this requirement is met by exhibiting the notice at the place where work is given out.