Written questions by Hayes.

Whether he has considered legislating to (a) require and (b) strongly encourage delivery company workers to join a union.

This government believes that strong trade unions are essential for tackling insecurity, inequality, discrimination, enforcement, and low pay.Through the Employment Rights Act 2025, we are introducing a new duty on employers to inform workers of their right to join a union and simplifying the statutory recognition trade union process, so that working people have a more meaningful right to organise through trade unions should they choose to do so. These measures affect all those in an employment relationship, including delivery company workers who meet the worker status criteria.

Whether he has considered the potential merits of setting sectoral minimum pay levels for delivery companies.

The Government is responsible for setting statutory minimum wage rates which provide consistency and clarity for all employers and workers operating across different locations and different sectors. When it comes to sector-based policy, we are currently working to deliver the first Fair Pay Agreement process for adult social care in England, which will see sector representatives negotiate pay, terms and conditions for the sector.Based on the lessons learned from this, officials will carefully consider any future sectors where such arrangements may be relevant.

What assessment they have made of the potential merits of setting standards for proof of delivery by delivery companies.

Ministers have been clear that some delivery companies need to do more to meet the rightful expectations of customers.Ofcom is responsible for regulation of the postal services sector and requires that all postal operators must establish, make available, and comply with transparent, simple, and inexpensive procedures for dealing with consumers’ complaints about the services they receive.In its last review of the postal regulatory framework, Ofcom acknowledged that the safety and security of parcels moving through delivery networks remains a key consumer concern and it is monitoring this issue over the review period lasting until 2027. Ofcom publishes an annual report summarising its monitoring programme on its website: www.ofcom.org.uk/postal-services/information-for-the-postal-industry/monitoring_reports.

Whether they have made an assessment of introducing minimum service levels for (a) lost parcels, (b) missed deliveries and (c) proof of delivery for delivery companies enforced by (i) fines and (ii) licence restrictions.

Ministers have been clear that some delivery companies need to do more to meet the rightful expectations of customers.Ofcom is responsible for regulation of the postal services sector and requires that all postal operators must establish, make available, and comply with transparent, simple, and inexpensive procedures for dealing with consumers’ complaints about the services they receive.In its last review of the postal regulatory framework, Ofcom acknowledged that the safety and security of parcels moving through delivery networks remains a key consumer concern and it is monitoring this issue over the review period lasting until 2027. Ofcom publishes an annual report summarising its monitoring programme on its website: www.ofcom.org.uk/postal-services/information-for-the-postal-industry/monitoring_reports.

Whether they have made an assessment of the potential merits of expanding Ofcom’s remit to delivery companies, including mandatory reporting of complaints and delivery metrics.

Ministers have been clear that some delivery companies need to do more to meet the rightful expectations of customers.Ofcom is responsible for regulation of the postal services sector and requires that all postal operators must establish, make available, and comply with transparent, simple, and inexpensive procedures for dealing with consumers’ complaints about the services they receive.In its last review of the postal regulatory framework, Ofcom acknowledged that the safety and security of parcels moving through delivery networks remains a key consumer concern and it is monitoring this issue over the review period lasting until 2027. Ofcom publishes an annual report summarising its monitoring programme on its website: www.ofcom.org.uk/postal-services/information-for-the-postal-industry/monitoring_reports.

Whether they have considered the potential merits of compulsory training for delivery company workers.

The Department for Business and Trade has not considered this. The private sector is responsible for determining any specific training their employees require, although under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, employers have a duty to ensure their employees receive adequate information, instruction, and training to ensure the health and safety of their employees.The Act and its relevant statutory provisions only apply to the self-employed where their work activity poses a risk to the health and safety of others. The requirement for delivery drivers to be licensed falls to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and Police.

Whether they have made an assessment of the potential merits of requiring delivery companies to obtain a licence to operate which is conditional on (a) performance, (b) workforce practices and (c) complaint handling.

The Postal Services Act 2011 introduced a general authorisation regime to provide postal services, removing the requirement for postal operators to hold a licence.  However, the provision of those services by postal operators may be subject to regulatory conditions imposed by Ofcom, as the independent regulator for the sector.Ofcom requires that all postal operators must establish, make available, and comply with transparent, simple, and inexpensive procedures for dealing with consumers’ complaints about the services they receive.Ministers have been clear that some delivery companies need to do more to meet the rightful expectations of customers.

If he will make it his policy to require delivery companies to (a) employ drivers on a contractual basis and (b) prohibit the use of temporary and self-employed workers.

Employment status is not a choice: it depends on the reality of the relationship between an individual and their employer. Individuals working for delivery companies may be employees, limb (b) workers, or self-employed. As private sector businesses, delivery companies are responsible for determining the engagement models that best suit their operations, provided they comply with the law.While the Government recognises temporary or self-employed arrangements can provide valued flexibility, we also recognise concerns regarding exploitation of the current employment status framework and will consult on addressing these as soon as possible.

Whether they have made an assessment of the potential merits of making couriers jointly liable with retailers for (a) losses, (b) delays and (c) mis-deliveries.

The department has not made any such assessment as we believe current liability provisions are clear. When a consumer purchases a product, the contract is with the seller, not the delivery company. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, the seller is responsible for delivery of goods bought online until they are in the consumer’s possession.In addition, under the Digital Markets, Competition & Consumers Act 2024, an invitation to purchase is between the trader and consumer, and traders must not mislead consumers about delivery arrangements.

What estimate he has made of the potential impact of the play industry on the economy.

The Government recognises that play is vital for children's physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development, while also strengthening community bonds and promoting inclusive, healthy environments. The Department for Business and Trade has not published a specific estimate of the economic impact of the play industry.However, the Department continues to engage with retailers and manufacturers of sporting goods, to understand the sector’s potential and to support growth and export opportunities.

Whether his Department plans to take steps to help support domestic manufacturing of playground equipment.

The Industrial Strategy launched in June 2025 sets out this government's plans to kickstart an era of economic prosperity. A new approach, it will create a more connected, high-skilled and resilient economy where every person, place and business can flourish. The accompanying Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan sets out specific support for manufacturers, outlining how government will work with industry to build resilience, champion innovation, support businesses to scale up and develop a skilled future workforce. The Plan features interventions focused on six frontier industries – batteries, automotive, aerospace, space, agri-tech, advanced materials as well as cross-sector measures supporting the wider manufacturing ecosystem.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the length of paid parental leave.

The Government is committed to making life better for families. In the Plan to Make Work Pay we promised to review the parental leave system. We are delivering on this commitment and launched this review on 1st July.The review presents a much-needed opportunity to consider our approach to the system of parental leave and pay. All current and upcoming parental leave and pay entitlements will be in scope.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) Bournemouth University, (b) Health Sciences University and (c) other higher education institutions on the delivery of the Industrial Strategy.

The UK has some of the best universities in the world - four in the top ten – and according to research by Global University Venturing, in 2022 was second only to the US in total investment into university spin-outs. The Government recognises the contribution that Bournemouth University, Health Sciences University and other institutions make to higher education and their unique and critical role as engines for innovation and for meeting the skills needs of our growth-driving sectors and places where they concentrate. We will continue to support our universities including through Higher Education Innovation Funding, worth £280 million in 2024-2025, and as part of our broader record public investment in R&D of more than £86 billion over the Spending Review period.

What steps he has taken to promote English as a Foreign Language schools in global markets.

My Department works closely with English UK and has provided support for their English with Confidence campaign, including through the production of promotional material and hosting English language teaching agents during familiarisation visits. Most recently the Department took a delegation of UK providers from the sector to Mongolia, and to the Study World event in China.

Whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on visa applications for students attending English as a Foreign Language (EFL) schools.

As the Minister for Exports, I regularly meet with ministerial counterparts to discuss DBT's interests with regards to International Education. I am due to have a meeting with the Minister for Migration shortly to discuss these interests, including that of English Language Teaching (ELT) schools.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of English as a Foreign Language schools on (a) the UK and (b) Bournemouth economy.

English UK have just released an assessment of the value of English Language Teaching (ELT) to the UK economy. The report assessed that the sector contributed almost £2 billion of GVA to the UK economy in 2024. Bournemouth, as one of the main centres for ELT in the UK, was used as a case study in the report. We continue to work with providers of English Language teaching to help them increase their growth and therefore in turn contribute to the UK economy.

What steps his Department is taking to review the (a) accreditation and (b) certification processes for renewable energy installers to ensure that they are accessible for small and medium enterprises.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) sponsors the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) as the national accreditation body. UKAS is independent of government, however DBT is working with UKAS to seek out and assess opportunities for supporting SMEs' participation in and use of accreditation. Certification processes are based on international standards and UKAS accredits to these standards to ensure certification bodies are fit for purpose. Where certification schemes exist, these are initially assessed by UKAS and reviewed on a regular basis by UKAS with the scheme provider.

Whether he has had discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on making localised funding available to support businesses working together to help local economies.

The Government’s forthcoming Small Business Strategy will set out how national and local business-support schemes can align to increase growth and productivity. Existing offers available include the Business Support Service, local Growth Hubs across England and The Help to Grow scheme. Financial support is available to businesses through the Government-backed British Business Bank (BBB) to improve access to finance for investment and growth. In Bournemouth East, businesses can access resources such as the South-West Investment Fund, offering loans to SMEs through the BBB, and the joint Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council/UK Shared Prosperity Fund economic development programme