To ask Her Majesty's Government what advice they have given to those UK museums and galleries that are public bodies regarding the employment status of workers who have been employed for 10 years or more.
Answered on
27 July 2018
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Ministry of Defence both sponsor museums and galleries in England; these are all Arm’s Length Bodies (ALBs). The Border Force, part of the Home Office, also supports a collection (Seized!), housed in a DCMS museum ALB. All Government ALBs, including museums and galleries, are responsible for their own employment policies and processes, including ensuring that they comply with employment laws.
The Government will be considering the Pimlico Plumbers LTD and another v Smith judgment as we prepare the response to our employment status consultation. The outcome of this consultation should help provide clarity for all public bodies, including ALBs, regarding the status and rights of of individuals who work for them, as well as advice on sick and holiday pay. More information regarding the consultation can be found here, and is attached: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/employment-status.
National museums in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are sponsored by the respective devolved administrations.