To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they will hold with representatives of the United Kingdom retail sector about avoiding redundancies in the next six months. [HL4214]

BIS Ministers and officials have frequent discussions with retailers and their representative organisations on a wide range of issues of importance to the prosperity of the sector and will continue to do so. In addition, the Retail Policy Forum, which is broadly representative of the sector, meets regularly to engage with Government on emerging policy challenges, threats and opportunities. Its most recent meeting, on 4 June 2009, included a discussion with senior representatives from Jobcentre Plus, USDAW, Skillsmart Retail and BIS's Retail Unit on retail jobs and skills during the current economic climate.