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Written question asked by Humfrey Malins (Conservative) on Wednesday, 3 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 December 2003. It was answered by Baroness Hughes of Stretford (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 December 2003 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the initial salary payable to initial decision makers in asylum applications is; and how long the period of training is; what plans he has to increase and improve the salaries and training of initial decision makers in asylum cases.
Answer

Mr. Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what the initial salary payable to initial decision makers in asylum applications is; and how long the period of training is; [142156] (2) what plans he has to increase and improve the salaries and training of initial decision makers in asylum cases. [142157] Beverley Hughes: The vast majority of initial decisions in asylum applications are made by Executive Officers. The initial salary of an executive officer is not less than £15,557 nationally. In London rates are higher and staff also receive a locational allowance. Pay levels are reviewed each year, and in addition, all fully effective and exceptionally effective staff receive a performance related progression increase. The Department has proposed increasing the initial salary to a minimum of £16,606 nationally with effect from 1 January 2004 and is also considering increases to locational allowances. All new initial decision makers in asylum applications receive intensive training, comprising an initial 11 day course on all aspects of asylum work, 13 days in a special mentoring unit, and a three day intensive interviewing course (which is followed up by a consolidation workshop after three months in post). All asylum decision makers receive continual support and mentoring from more experienced colleagues in a team working environment where the sharing and pooling of acquired expertise is actively encouraged. They also receive any additional training or mentoring necessitated by changes in legislation and procedures, and attend developmental presentations or seminars provided by organisations such as UNHCR and the Medical Foundation. The effectiveness of training is regularly evaluated to ensure it continues to match their induction and development needs.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
415 c859-60W; 142156;142157
Session
2003-04
Subjects
Asylum Applications Immigration officers Pay Staff Training
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk