Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by David Lidington (Conservative) on Thursday, 30 October 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 November 2008. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 November 2008 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iraq: Diplomatic Service

Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what rights to (a) appeal and (b) notification of reasons locally-engaged staff contracted to work in the British embassy in Baghdad have in cases of dismissal.
Answer

Conduct and discipline issues are covered in local staff terms and conditions. In Baghdad the issue is dealt with in Paragraph 28 and Annex A of the Terms and Conditions of Service in compliance with local law, which state:Stage 4 - DismissalIf conduct, attendance or performance is still unsatisfactory and the employee still fails to reach the prescribed standards, dismissal will normally result. The decision will take into account the employee's previous record and any other factors that may be relevant. The employee will be provided, as soon as reasonably practicable, with written reasons for dismissal, the date on which employment will terminate and the rights of appeal. The employee or a representative for them may appeal by putting arguments against dismissal in writing, and those arguments will be considered by Post Management. The employee may contact Local Staff Management Unit (HRD-LSPS) in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, but should be aware that there is no formal appeal channel to London. The employee should feel able to involve the local staff association, and no staff association representative will be penalised in any way for becoming involved. If the employee is unsatisfied with the outcome of this process or of any appeal, then they may have recourse to the local courts (subject to the possible application of local Iraqi laws, including Coalition Provisional Authority Orders in this regard).

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
483 c1203-4W; 233226
Session
2007-08
Related items
Subjects
Diplomatic service Iraq
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk