§ Mr. BradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact on business competitiveness of labour market reforms introduced since May 1997. [111558]
§ Mr. Alan JohnsonThe Government's labour market policies help people into work and provide additional flexibility and security for those in work. These policies are good for individuals, good for business and good for the economy as a whole. Employment is at its highest ever level. Unemployment is at its lowest level for 20 years. Decent minimum employment standards promote employee commitment, reduce absenteeism and staff turnover and increase incentives for individuals and employers to invest in training and lifelong learning.