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Written question asked by Mike Wood (Conservative) on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 September 2026. It was answered by Mark Ferguson (Labour) on Thursday, 3 September 2026 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.


Civil Servants: Redundancy

Question

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what powers (a) the Prime Minister and (b) Ministers have to dismiss civil servants.

Answer

Under Section 3 of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010, the statutory power to manage the Civil Service, is vested in the Prime Minister in their capacity as Minister for the Civil Service, and a parallel power exists for the Secretary of State in relation to the Diplomatic service. However, day-to-day management functions, including the authority to appoint, manage and dismiss individual civil servants, are delegated to Heads of Departments provided for under statutory powers in the Civil Service (Management Functions) Act 1992.

Decisions regarding individual employment matters, including disciplinary action and dismissals, are handled directly by employing departments and agencies as the employer in accordance with their policies and employment law.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
19042
Session
2026-27
Related items
Civil Servants: Redundancy
Monday, 21 September 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Civil servants Powers Ministers Redundancy
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk