Written questions by Baines.

What discussions he has had with Ofcom on regulating employment standards in the parcel delivery sector; and what steps he is taking to prevent gig economy working practices from adversely impacting Royal Mail's Universal Service Obligation.

Ministers have regular discussions with Ofcom as the independent regulator for the postal sector. The government does not, however, have a role in Ofcom’s regulatory decisions and Ofcom does not regulate the employment models of parcel delivery companies.All employers must comply with their legal obligations to ensure that their workforce receive the rights and protections to which they are entitled. The government recognises self-employed arrangements can provide valued flexibility but also recognises concerns about exploitation of the current employment status framework which can leave vulnerable workers without core employment protections. The government will consult on addressing these.

What steps his Department (a) is taking and (b) plans to take to help support the growth of small businesses.

Small businesses are the beating heart of our high streets, our communities, and essential to our economic success. The Government will boost small business growth and productivity by delivering upon the commitments within Labour's nine-point Plan for Small Business published prior to the election.As a first step, we announced on 19th September 2024 new measures to help small businesses and the self-employed tackle the scourge of late payments and long payment terms.We are also creating opportunities for small businesses to access the finance they need to scale up and to break into new markets through exporting.