§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether "downsizing" of enterprises results in the overworking of some (at a reduced cost to their employers) and to the unemployment of others (at an 3WA increased cost to the taxpayer); and, if so, whether they intend to promote alternative arrangements.
§ The Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment (Lord Henley)Her Majesty's Government believe that decisions on the organisation of enterprises are best taken by those enterprises themselves. The Government's role is to help create a flexible labour market and a skilled and adaptable workforce, so that employees affected by restructuring of enterprises can find new work quickly. The Labour Force Survey shows an increase in employment of 733,000 in Great Britain since winter 1992–93.