Written questions by Nichols.

What discussions he has had with Evri and other delivery companies on leaving parcels unattended on doorsteps.

It is unacceptable for delivery companies to leave parcels unattended on doorsteps where that has not been requested by a customer. The government wants to see all operators provide a good level of service, including incorporating customers’ preferences on deliveries. However, Evri and other delivery companies are independent businesses, and the government has no role in their operational decisions. Ofcom is the independent regulator for the postal sector with the responsibility and powers to regulate postal services. Ofcom engages regularly with all parcel operators to understand their approach to implementation of, and compliance with, its consumer protection measures.

Whether he plans to provide support to people who claim to have been sacked for trying to unionise whilst working at Rockstar North.

The government is looking into the matters in relation to Rockstar North. Section 152 of the Trade Union Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 protects employees from dismissal for being or seeking to be a member of a trade union. An employee who considers they were unfairly dismissed can bring a claim to an employment tribunal.It is a fundamental part of our employment framework that workers have a voice in the workplace and can utilise their right to organise via trade unions. Indeed, the government is strengthening protections for trade union membership and activities through the Employment Rights Act.The government is always willing to engage with employers, including Rockstar North, to ensure that they comply with their obligations.

Whether he has had recent discussions with Evri on paying their workers the minimum wage.

The passing of the Employment Rights Act, and measures such as the creation of the Fair Work Agency, will create an economy that balances flexibility and security. In doing so, we will ensure an environment where working people and businesses can succeed together. We are committed to strengthening rights and protections to help the self-employed thrive in good quality self-employment.We have already announced a package of measures to tackle late payments for small businesses and the self-employed, including a new Fair Payment Code. Self-employed individuals are not entitled to the minimum wage and Evri couriers are self-employed. As such, no discussions have taken place with Evri specifically on the issue of the minimum wage.

What steps the Government is taking to support women in the workplace with flexible working.

Flexible working can make work more inclusive for those facing barriers to staying in and getting on at work, including women navigating parenthood, caring responsibilities, health conditions, and other personal circumstances.We are changing legislation through the Employment Rights Bill to make it more likely that flexible working requests are accepted.Where employers do reject a request, they will be required to explain the basis for their decision.We also intend to run a public consultation in early 2026 on a new process for employers planning to reject a request to prompt dialogue about what types of flexible working might be feasible.

What steps he is taking to support women with flexible working.

Through the recently introduced Employment Rights Bill, we are amending existing legislation to ensure employers accept flexible working requests, except where they are not reasonably feasible. These changes will support employees to access flexible working, including women. We know flexible working is particularly important supporting women who combine work with caring responsibilities.

Whether he has had discussions with D&D London on the closure of 35 TGI Fridays branches.

We understand that this will be a concerning time for workers at TGI Fridays, and we stand ready to support those impacted. Affected employees will be able to access Government support, including Universal Credit and Job Centre Plus to help them find new jobs, through its Rapid Response Service. DBT officials are monitoring developments and are in touch with administrators.

Whether there have been changes to the licence agreements issued to UK Seabed Resources Limited since January 2021.

There have been no changes to the licence agreements issued to UK Seabed Resources Limited since January 2021.

Whether his Department made an assessment of the potential costs and benefits to the UK of UK Seabed Resources Limited's two International Seabed Authority exploration licences.

The Department for Business and Trade has considered the potential future impacts to the UK in holding two Deep Sea Mining exploration licences and have found there is an opportunity for the UK to take a lead in this emerging market with potential for growth and revenue through taxation. This is subject to the establishment of strong, enforceable environmental regulations, standards and guidelines adopted by the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and where there is sufficient scientific evidence available to assess the potential impact of deep-sea mining activities on marine ecosystems.