Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Recommendation 72
72
Accepted
Paragraph: 234
Require Labour Market Enforcement bodies to disseminate employment rights information in social care.
Conclusion
Labour Market Enforcement bodies must work closely with external partners in social care to find ways to disseminate information and raise awareness about employment rights and the enforcement powers of Labour Market Enforcement bodies among employers (including those receiving direct payments), workers, and Local Authorities.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the recommendation, stating that Labour Market Enforcement bodies already have an active, ongoing programme of engagement with external partners in the social care sector to disseminate information about employment rights and enforcement powers.
Paragraph Reference:
234
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Recommendations 72 and 73 have been grouped together to provide an overarching response to the Committee. We agree with these recommendations. We encourage Local Authorities to evaluate the risk of modern slavery in their adult social care supply chains and ensure that the risk of modern slavery is assessed, as per this report’s recommendation. We take any reports of unsafe and illegal employment practices in the social care sector very seriously. Any accusations of illegal practice will be fully investigated by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority. The Labour Market Enforcement bodies (Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate, Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, and HMRC’s National Minimum Wage Team) have an active programme of engagement with external partners, including those in the care sector, to help make sure workers know their rights and employers understand their obligations. This activity includes working with partners such as the Care Quality Commission, industry representative groups, unions and the Local Government Association (amongst others). This is an ongoing programme, examples of activity so far include webinars, and working directly with LA’s, alongside the development of publications to assist those working or operating within the care sector. Labour Market Enforcement bodies have an active programme of engagement with external partners including the Local Government Association and LAs.