Written question asked by Jenny Willott (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 24 October 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 28 October 2008. It was answered by Jonathan Shaw (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 November 2008 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Employment Service: Manpower

Question: (2) what the average salary was of staff employed by the (a) Employment Service and (b) Benefits Agency in each year for which records are available, broken down by region.

Answer: The Benefits Agency was established on 10 April 1991. The Employment Service was established on 2 April 1990. Both ceased to exist after March 31 2002 when Jobcentre Plus and The Pension Service were launched.Historical staffing statistics for each Agency can be found in Civil Service Statistics at:"www.civilservice.gov.uk/about/statistics."A breakdown of the staffing statistics at regional level is not available.Information on average salaries would be available only at disproportionate cost.

Secondary information