Question
I, too, declare my proud membership of USDAW. Poundland workers in Merthyr Tydfil, like elsewhere, are deeply concerned about their futures. The workforce have given absolutely everything to the company to make it profitable. Can the Minister give further reassurance about what more the Government can do to ensure that Gordon Brothers does absolutely everything at its disposal to support the workforce, and to treat them with fairness and respect?
Answer
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise the hard work of the workforce and their dedication to their jobs and the business. In our engagements with the company, we have been very clear about its responsibility to its employees and the need to protect jobs, because this is a really concerning situation for so many across the country. We will continue to work with USDAW and discuss its members’ concerns, particularly at this difficult time in the run-up to Christmas. We are a responsible Government who will do everything we can to speak to the union and the business. We know how vital the jobs at Poundland and other high street shops are, including for his constituents. I thank him for raising this issue.46% vibes
Verdict: AMBER (40/100)
The reply addresses the first part of the question: it says the Government has raised its responsibilities to employees and the need to protect jobs with the company, and commits to keep working with the union and the business on members' concerns. It only partly addresses the second part, on fair and respectful treatment of staff, touching on the company's responsibilities without saying what further steps would be taken to secure that. Because the reply stays general on that point and gives no specific commitments, the person who asked would likely need to submit a follow-up for more detail.
Verdict: AMBER (30/100)
The reply gives some background on the government's past engagement with Gordon Brothers and commits to keep working with USDAW and speaking to the union and the business. It does not name any concrete further step that would ensure the company does everything in its power. On the second point about fairness and respect for staff, the reply only says the government is clear about its responsibility to employees, which is general rather than specific. Overall the reply is hedged and only partly answers the question, so the person who asked would likely need to follow up for specifics.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| What more the Government can do to ensure that Gordon Brothers does everything at its disposal to support the Poundland workforce, including in Merthyr Tydfil. | Addressed | Direct | The reply describes concrete engagement with the company, stating that the Government has been clear with it about its responsibilities to employees and the need to protect jobs, and commits to continuing to work with USDAW and the business on members' concerns. Together these name a specific further action, which answers 'what more can be done', though the reply never mentions Merthyr Tydfil specifically. |
| What further steps the Government can take to ensure that Gordon Brothers does everything at its disposal to support the Poundland workforce in Merthyr Tydfil. | Partially Addressed | Hedged | The reply describes past engagement with Gordon Brothers and commits to continuing to work with USDAW and speak to the union and the business, which is a genuine commitment to act. However, it names no concrete further step that would ensure the company does everything at its disposal, so the 'further steps' part of the question is only gestured at. |
| What more the Government can do to ensure that Gordon Brothers treats the Poundland workforce with fairness and respect. | Partially Addressed | Hedged | The reply's statement that the company has responsibilities to its employees comes close to the question of fair treatment, but it never speaks to fairness or respect directly and offers only a general commitment to speak to the union and business, without saying what more would be done to secure fair and respectful treatment. |
| What further steps the Government can take to ensure that Gordon Brothers treats the Poundland workforce in Merthyr Tydfil with fairness and respect. | Partially Addressed | Hedged | The statement that the Government has been 'very clear about its responsibility to its employees' touches on how the company treats staff, but it does not address fairness or respect specifically and offers no further steps to secure them. |