{"primaryDescription":"

How should the UK Government deal with China? BTC questions minister Chris Bryant

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This week the Committee holds two evidence sessions in one: closing its inquiry on China and the UK economywith trade minister Chris Bryant before turning to a follow up on employment rights seven months on from the Government’s flagship Act.

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Will the Act fulfil its promise on eliminating “one-sided flexibility” in zero-hours contracts - and how do businesses view ministers’ latest proposals? Will the Government’s measures have any meaningful impact on trade union access to workplaces?

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MPs will then question the new Fair Work Agency on its objectives and priorities and whether it is resourced and empowered to carry out its sweeping functions.

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The Committee will also ask the trade minister about the Government’s efforts to stamp out forced labour in supply chains, with the Trump administration currently investigating imposing tariffs on countries that, like the UK, do not have legal duties to exclude modern slavery.

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15 months ago the Committee’s report on the Employment Rights Bill called for new provisions in the Modern Slavery Act to strengthen mandatory reporting on modern slavery, and “naming and shaming” plus penalties for companies not disclosing action plans.

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