Written question asked by Baroness Byford (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Bach (Labour) on Monday, 19 December 2005.

Defra: Helen Ghosh

Question: Whether they have agreed that the post of Permanent Secretary at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs should be held on a part-time basis; and, if so, what hours Helen Ghosh will work in the department.

Answer: Helen Ghosh, who was appointed Permanent Secretary on 7 November, is employed and paid on a part-time basis of four and a half days (32 hours) a week instead of five days (37 hours full-time rate). We welcomed Helen Ghosh’s proposal to work part time: it bears out the Government’s belief in the value of flexible working and demonstrates commitment to provide opportunities for all employees to achieve a better work-life balance.Helen Ghosh’s contract mirrors other senior civil servants’ contracts in that it states that her working pattern may be varied by agreement, or as the requirements of the post dictate. She is also required to work such additional hours as may from time to time be reasonable and necessary for the efficient performance of her duties but she is not entitled to the payment of any extra hours worked beyond 37 hours.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 2905; 676 c208-9WA
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Part-time employment Working hours Senior civil servants Ghosh, Helen
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk