Overview

This Enterprise Bill amends several existing Acts, primarily focusing on devolution of powers in Wales, establishing the Institute for Apprenticeships, and altering regulations regarding Sunday working hours for shop workers. It also includes provisions related to information sharing concerning apprenticeships and rent assessments for pubs.

Description

Devolution of Powers in Wales

The bill transfers certain regulatory functions and powers from UK Ministers to the Welsh Ministers, clarifying the application of regulators' principles and codes of practice within Wales. Amendments ensure consistency in terminology, replacing "Welsh ministerial" with "devolved Welsh" throughout relevant legislation.

Institute for Apprenticeships

A new body, the Institute for Apprenticeships (IfA), is created. The IfA will be responsible for setting and approving apprenticeship standards, assessment plans, and ensuring quality control. Existing standards and plans will be automatically transferred to the IfA.

Information Sharing on Apprenticeships

The bill introduces provisions for increased information sharing between HMRC and the relevant authorities (Secretary of State in England, and devolved authorities in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland) concerning apprenticeships to improve oversight and administration.

Sunday Working for Shop Workers

The bill introduces amendments to the Employment Rights Act 1996, giving shop workers stronger rights regarding Sunday working. Shop workers now have the right to object to additional Sunday hours of work and greater protections against detriment for exercising these rights. The bill introduces a new opt-out process and explanatory statements.

Rent Assessments for Pubs

The bill clarifies the "market rent only option" in the Pubs Code, ensuring that rent assessments consider potential increases, not just the current rent.

Reports on Pubs Code Avoidance

The Pubs Code Adjudicator is required to report to the Secretary of State on cases where pub-owning businesses use unfair practices to avoid the Pubs Code, with recommendations for prevention and redress.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is not explicitly detailed within the provided text. However, the creation of the IfA and related amendments to apprenticeship regulations will likely involve changes to the allocation of public funds for apprenticeships. Changes related to the Welsh Consolidated Fund are also implied. Precise figures are not available.

Groups Affected

• Welsh Government and Ministers: Gain increased regulatory powers.
• Apprentices and Employers: Affected by changes in apprenticeship standards and regulations.
• HMRC: Involved in increased information sharing regarding apprenticeships.
• Shop Workers in England and Wales: Benefit from strengthened rights regarding Sunday working hours.
• Pub Tenants: Affected by changes to rent assessment processes and increased oversight of pub-owning businesses.
• Tied Pub Tenants: Potentially benefit from increased protection against unfair business practices.
• Members of the National Assembly for Wales and other Welsh public office holders: Exit payments may be affected.

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