11. Ms McLaughlin asked the Assembly Commission whether negotiations on a new catering and cleaning contract will include discussions on pay enhancements for staff. (AQO 675/22-27)

I thank the Member for her question. Under the terms and conditions of the contract, which commenced in January 2023, staff employed in Parliament Buildings for the delivery of catering, cleaning, porterage and related help desk services are directly employed by Aramark. Terms and conditions of employment are therefore a matter solely for Aramark. Staff are paid in line with the rates of pay that Aramark submitted as part of its successful tender bid and, if necessary, when it is statutorily reviewed, the living wage hourly rate. Discussions on pay enhancement for staff are held exclusively between Aramark and its employees.

Thank you for your answer. Will the Commission ensure that any contractor engaged to deliver catering and cleaning services is assessed on the terms and conditions that it offers its employees? We need to show leadership there.

If we are promoting good jobs as part of the economic vision, we need to make sure that we have a framework for assessing any contractors against that criterion.

A quick reply, Mr Butler, please.

I thank the Member for her supplementary question. The Commission takes a number of things into consideration when it discusses such matters. There were several contractual options, including bringing the staff who provide those services under the employment of the Assembly Commission, or in-house. The options were included in the business case that the Assembly Commission considered, but that option was not selected, as the Assembly Commission does not possess the expertise, technology or external upstream partners. The Member's point is a good one, however, and we will take it back to the Commission and ensure that we consider it in every negotiation.

Members, that concludes questions to the Assembly Commission.

Motion made: That the Assembly do now adjourn. — [Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Blair).]