Written question asked by Roy Beggs (Ulster Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 14 July 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 21 July 2004. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 July 2004 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what proposals he has to provide minimum guaranteed hours of employment to home helps and care workers.

Answer: Mr. Beggs: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals he has to provide minimum guaranteed hours of employment to home helps and care workers. [184935] Angela Smith: In Northern Ireland, decisions about minimum hours of employment for home helps and analogous staff are a matter for HSS Trusts in the context of presenting need, resources and service priorities. The primary objective for HSS Trusts is to deliver effective, efficient and flexible community care services to persons in need. However, HSS Trusts do endeavour to allocate sufficient work to home helps and the other home care staff they employ that give viable work opportunities while seeking to manage the presenting demand for these services.

Secondary information