HL Deb 03 May 2001 vol 625 c129WA
Lord Carlile of Berriew

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will review the approach of the Inland Revenue to the status of "housesitters", who look after the homes of absent householders, with a view to excluding their activities from the minimum wage provisions. [HL 1936]

Lord Sainsbury of Turville

Officials from the DTI, which is responsible for minimum wage policy, will be meeting representatives of house-sitting agencies to discuss the way that the minimum wage rules apply to house-sitters employed by them. A case involving house-sitters is due to be heard by an employment tribunal later this month. It would not be appropriate, therefore, for me to comment further.