Employment Bill [HL]

I listened with interest to my noble friend Lady Gardner as she spoke to the amendment. I do not think anyone can doubt that it is right for her to call to the Minister’s attention the vulnerability of those who unexpectedly find themselves unemployed. I am sure he will be sympathetic to that concern, given that much of the Bill seeks to increase the penalties on those who exploit vulnerable workers. I hope the Minister will make sure that if outplacement operations are indeed covered by the 1973 Act, the relevant provisions are implemented effectively and enforced vigorously.