To ask the Minister for the Economy (i) to detail any discussions he has had, or plans to have, with the haulage industry regarding improving working conditions for drivers; and (ii) for his assessment of how improving conditions could encourage more people to enter the industry.

I have met with the Road Haulage Association on a number of occasions and discussed the working conditions of the sector.

I am committed to improving work quality across all sectors of the Northern Ireland Economy. My Department has commissioned the development of a set of Work Quality Indicators, as a commonly agreed set of metrics which can be used to describe and monitor job quality.

One of the commitments included within the draft Skills Strategy is to introduce a better jobs pledge. Employers with 50+ employees will be actively encouraged to introduce working practices that align with these Work Quality Indicators. This will recognise and promote companies that are fully engaged in the development of their staff, the economy and the wellbeing of our society.