Written question asked by Brian Jenkins (Labour) on Thursday, 14 March 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 April 2002. It was answered by Ivan Lewis (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 April 2002 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many members of staff at her Department are locally elected democratic representatives; and if she has a strategy for her Department to encourage members of staff to become locally elected democratic representatives. - Inc fact that my Department does not hold information centrally and disproportionate cost.

Answer: Mr. Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many members of staff at her Department are locally elected democratic representatives; and if she has a strategy for her Department to encourage members of staff to become locally elected democratic representatives. [44543] Mr. Ivan Lewis: My Department does not hold this information centrally and could provide it only at disproportionate cost. Section 50 of the Employment Rights Act (ERA) 1996 requires employers to allow their staff reasonable time off for public duties. The Civil Service Management Code (paragraph 9.2.5) also requires Departments to allow time off for attendance required by section 50 of the ERA 1996. My Department demonstrates its support to employees who are elected representatives by allowing them special leave with pay to perform the duties associated with their office.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 44543; 383 c113-4W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Councillors Civil servants Government departments Department for Education and Skills
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk