First Minister’s Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at on 21 November 2024.
Daniel Johnson
Labour
The First Minister might have seen reports that airport travel company CAVU, which has taken over a passenger lounge at Edinburgh airport, intends to make 16 people redundant by exploiting a loophole in the law rather than undertaking the usual Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations—TUPE—transfers that one might expect. Does the First Minister agree not only that that is morally reprehensible but that, at a time of tight labour markets, such fire and rehire practice is entirely counterproductive for anyone seeking to be a responsible employer?
I have already written to the chief executive of CAVU to ask him to reconsider putting people out of work just weeks before Christmas. Will the First Minister do likewise?
John Swinney
Scottish National Party
Obviously, in any circumstances of that nature, the Government’s commitment is to the fair work principles, which should be applied in all circumstances by all employers in Scotland. I encourage the employer who is involved in the case that Mr Johnson puts to me to do exactly that.
Question Time is an opportunity for MPs and Members of the House of Lords to ask Government Ministers questions. These questions are asked in the Chamber itself and are known as Oral Questions. Members may also put down Written Questions. In the House of Commons, Question Time takes place for an hour on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after Prayers. The different Government Departments answer questions according to a rota and the questions asked must relate to the responsibilities of the Government Department concerned. In the House of Lords up to four questions may be asked of the Government at the beginning of each day's business. They are known as 'starred questions' because they are marked with a star on the Order Paper. Questions may also be asked at the end of each day's business and these may include a short debate. They are known as 'unstarred questions' and are less frequent. Questions in both Houses must be written down in advance and put on the agenda and both Houses have methods for selecting the questions that will be asked. Further information can be obtained from factsheet P1 at the UK Parliament site.
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