The Bishop of Durham received the following written answers on 17th October 2023:
The Lord Bishop of Durham asked His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the number of people employed in insecure work; and what steps they are taking to ensure that more employees have secure work.
The Earl of Minto (Con, Treasury): The Government has taken a range of steps to support people in insecure work. We have supported six Private Members’ Bills in this Parliamentary session, which will give benefits including easier access to flexible working and a more predictable working pattern.
In April 2023, we increased the National Living Wage by 9.7%, the largest ever cash increase. We have extended the ban on using exclusivity clauses to the lowest paid, ensuring an estimated 1.5 million people have the option to pick up extra work.
We closed an unfair loophole to stop agency workers being employed on cheaper rates than permanent workers.
The Lord Bishop of Durham asked His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the Living Wage Foundation’s “Living Hours” standard; and what steps they are taking to encourage employers to adopt that standard.
The Earl of Minto: The Government commends employers who are able to go above the requirements of minimum wage and employment legislation. However, the Living Wage Foundation are clear that their measures are voluntary.
Our statutory minimum wage rates are based on the expert and independent advice of the Low Pay Commission; the LPC takes into account the impacts on workers, businesses and the wider economy to ensure a fair balance is struck.
The Church of England in Parliament 
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