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Written question asked by Chuka Umunna (Labour) on Monday, 14 October 2013, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 October 2013. It was answered by Jo Swinson (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 21 October 2013 on behalf of the Treasury. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills was asked to reply.

Personal Injury: Insurance

Question

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps HM Revenue and Customs has taken against employment agencies selling personal accident insurance policies to employees paid at or near the national minimum wage since May 2010.

Answer

I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

The selling of personal accident insurance policies is a matter for the Financial Conduct Authority.

The Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003 prohibit employment agencies and employment businesses from making work-finding services to temporary workers conditional upon the purchase of additional services. The Conduct Regulations also provide that temporary workers can withdraw from additional services. The Pay and Work Rights Helpline (0800 917 2368) is the first point of contact for complaints about breaches of the Conduct Regulations.

The Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (EAS) has investigated complaints relating to personal accident insurance policies being sold to temporary workers and sought remedial action as appropriate. EAS would consider prosecuting the agency or employment business if they continued to breach the regulations that apply, however no such case has arisen to date.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
171307; 569 c37W
Session
2013-14
Subjects
Insurance Personal injury Revenue and Customs
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk