JOHN LEWIS PARTNERSHIP AND EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS

That this House recognises the importance of manufacturing industries to the parliamentary constituencies of Carlisle, Rossendale and Darwen and Hyndburn; is seriously concerned that Apex Textiles which, 18 months ago, took over the businesses of JH Birtwistle in Haslingden and Stead McAlpin in Carlisle from the John Lewis Partnership, with a commitment to honour the John Lewis terms of employment for any workers facing redundancy within two years, has now reneged on that commitment as a result of that company being called into administration; understands that, in the current climate, such a demand on Apex Textiles would have been difficult, if not impossible, to meet; considers, therefore, that John Lewis has a moral obligation to help to honour the terms and conditions its former employees would have enjoyed; notes that the John Lewis website claims that the company is an employer of distinction with the happiness of all its members at the heart of the John Lewis Partnership and that it also credits its founder, John Spedon Lewis, with a corporate conscience; and calls on the Government to impress upon the John Lewis Partnership its moral obligation to meet and fund the terms and conditions of those who have now lost their livelihoods, in the recognition that, if it does not, its claim to be an employer of distinction will no longer be taken seriously.