Written question asked by James Clappison (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 May 2002. It was answered by Nicholas Brown (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 May 2002 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what consultations he has had with leaders of the Public and Commercial Services Union regarding recent industrial action taken by their members; and if he plans to meet them following the latest 48-hour strike. (Wrongly attributed to Annabelle Ewing in Daily Part).

Answer: Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) why he has declined to meet officials of the Public and Commercial Services Union to discuss the health and safety implications for staff of the Jobcentre Plus arrangements; [32304] (2) what consultations he has had with leaders of the Public and Commercial Services Union regarding recent industrial action taken by their members; and if he plans to meet them following the latest 48-hour strike. [32647] Mr. Nicholas Brown: [holding answer 1 and 5 February 2002]: It is for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, as the head of the organisation, to conduct discussions on this issue with the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS). I am pleased to say that, following the most recent round of discussions, the PCS has, after a ballot of its members, accepted an agreement based on the proposals which Jobcentre Plus management originally put forward last October. These proposals will ensure that Jobcentre Plus operates in a predominantly unscreened environment in line with Government policy.

Secondary information