To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans the Government has to implement the provisions of the EU Agency Workers Directive in the UK; and what timetable has been set for implementation of those provisions. (290707)

[holding answer 9 September 2009]: The recent Consultation, which closed on 31 July, invited views on proposals for implementing the Agency Workers Directive in a way which meets the Government’s twin objective of ensuring appropriate protection for agency workers while maintaining a flexible labour market. The Consultation also invited views on when the implementing legislation should come into effect, and why. Following the Consultation, we will publish the Government’s response setting out how we intend to proceed, and invite views as appropriate, as well as consult on the draft regulations.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has had with trade union representatives on the EU Agency Workers Directive since October 2008; which trade unions were represented in each such discussion; and on what date each such discussion took place. (290708)

[holding answer 9 September 2009]: I have had no meetings with trade unions on the specific topic of the EU Agency Workers Directive since October 2008, however, officials have spoken to both the TUC and business organisations in the development of our consultation document on this issue.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills when the Government plans to announce its decisions following its consultation on the EU Agency Workers Directive. (291236)

Following the consultation which closed on 31 July, we are evaluating all the responses before any key decisions are taken. We will shortly publish the Government’s response to the consultation and seek views on draft implementing legislation.