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To ask the Secretary of State for Health what contracts Paymaster has within her Department.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what contracts Paymaster has within her Department.
Asked by
Joan Humble
(Labour)
Answered by
Jane Kennedy
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Health
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
3 November 2005
For answer on
7 November 2005
Answered on
16 January 2006
The Department contract Paymaster to provide pension administration for the principal civil service pension scheme, to which the majority of established civil servants within the Department are members. The contract has been in place since April 2004 and will be due for renewal in April 2009. The Department has no other contracts with Paymaster.
Subjects
Contracts; Department of Health; Paymaster Agency
Date
16 January 2006
Reference
26423; 441 c1071-2W
House
House of Commons
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect of the privatisation of the Paymaster agency on the Treasury's access to information needed to monitor and control public expenditure. - Privatisation of the Paymaster Agency has had no effect on the Treasury's access to...
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect of the privatisation of the Paymaster agency on the Treasury's access to information needed to monitor and control public expenditure. - Privatisation of the Paymaster Agency has had no effect on the Treasury's access to...
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Andrew Smith
(Labour)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
17 December 2001
For answer on
8 January 2002
Answered on
8 January 2002
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect of the privatisation of the Paymaster
agency on the Treasury's access to information needed to monitor and control public expenditure. [24828]
Mr. Andrew Smith: Privatisation of the Paymaster Agency has had no effect on the Treasury's access to such information.
Subjects
Access; Information; Privatisation; Public expenditure; Monitoring; Treasury; Paymaster Agency
Date
8 January 2002
Reference
377 c809W;377 c813W; 24828
House
House of Commons
Type
House of Commons papers
Author
Treasury; Paymaster Agency
Laid on
20 October 1998
Notes
Received 20.10.98; Received 20.10.98
Subjects
Financial services; Pensions; Public sector; Paymaster Agency
Commons Library location
CS 204
Date
20 October 1998
Reference
HC 1002 1997/98
House
House of Commons
Type
Unprinted command papers
Author
Treasury
Laid on
15 May 1997
Subjects
Privatisation; Paymaster Agency
Commons Library location
UC 1 1997/98
Date
15 May 1997
House
House of Commons
Statement on the privatisation of the Paymaster Agency.
Statement on the privatisation of the Paymaster Agency.
Asked by
Matthew Banks
(Conservative)
Answered by
Phillip Oppenheim
(Conservative)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
13 February 1997
Answered on
13 February 1997
Mr. Matthew Banks: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the privatisation of the Paymaster
agency. [16092]
Mr. Oppenheim: Conditional agreements for the sale of both the pensions and banking businesses of Paymaster, together with its IT
support and its building in Crawley, were exchanged with a joint venture between EDS and Hogg Robinson yesterday. These are subject
only to TUPE consultations, which can begin with the company at once.
The £22.7 million consideration agreed with the purchasers represents a good outcome for the taxpayer. The purchasers have made it
clear that they intend to develop the business through the winning of new contracts and the transfer-in of other existing business,
and to continue operations from its current Crawley and Basingstoke locations, so the outcome is equally good for the agency's staff
and customers.
On the pensions side, the schemes will, of course, continue to be funded and have their rules set by sponsoring Government
Departments, which will also remain responsible for ensuring service levels; only the administrative functions are being contracted
out to the privatised agency.
On the banking side, I announced on 31 October 1996, Official Report, column 255, the creation of a new Office of HM Paymaster
General as a separate statutory body within the National Investment and Loans Office to maintain control over the Paymaster
General's accounts at the Bank of England. The privatised agency will supply transaction services to this office on behalf of its
departmental and other public sector customers.
I believe that this is an excellent outcome for all. The purchasers are eager to keep the present business intact and to build on
the service improvements introduced in recent years by the current management. They bring formidable IT and transaction-processing
expertise to support those efforts, combined with a powerful private sector pensions reputation and marketing experience. Paymaster
can look forward to becoming a player of repute in the private sector market that was previously closed to it, and customers can
expect even higher service levels and more competitive prices in future.
Subjects
Privatisation; Paymaster Agency
Date
13 February 1997
Reference
16092; 290 c315W
House
House of Commons
If he will report progress with the privatisation of the Paymaster Agency.
If he will report progress with the privatisation of the Paymaster Agency.
Asked by
Matthew Banks
(Conservative)
Answered by
Phillip Oppenheim
(Conservative)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
12 December 1996
Answered on
12 December 1996
Mr. Matthew Banks: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will report progress with the privatisation of the Paymaster agency.
[9183]
Mr. Oppenheim: Initial bids have been received and three bidders have just been short-listed. These are the management and employee
buy-out team in partnership with ITNet, Capita Managed Services, and EDS/Hogg Robinson Financial Services Ltd. Final bids are due in
by mid-January.
Subjects
Privatisation; Paymaster Agency
Date
12 December 1996
Reference
9183; 287 c302W
House
House of Commons
Statement on plans he has for that part of the Paymaster Agency which is to remain in the public sector. - Includes fact that will maintain formal title of Office of HM Paymaster General - OPG - and be separated from agency on 1 November. OPG will remain a separate...
Statement on plans he has for that part of the Paymaster Agency which is to remain in the public sector. - Includes fact that will maintain formal title of Office of HM Paymaster General - OPG - and be separated from agency on 1 November. OPG will remain a separate...
Asked by
Matthew Banks
(Conservative)
Answered by
Phillip Oppenheim
(Conservative)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
31 October 1996
Answered on
31 October 1996
Mr. Matthew Banks: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has for that part of the Paymaster agency which is to remain
in the public sector. [2110]
Mr. Oppenheim: The then Paymaster General announced on 15 July 1996, Official Report, columns 372-73, that the Government were
accepting the recommendations of a prior options review concerning the privatisation of the Paymaster agency. He acknowledged that a
small part of the agency's banking business must stay in the public sector.
This element, which will maintain the formal title of the Office of HM Paymaster General--OPG--will be separated from the agency on
1 November, when the present head of the National Investment and Loans Office--NILO--will be appointed assistant paymaster general
and become responsible for the management of the Paymaster General's accounts at the Bank of England. The OPG will remain a separate
statutory body within NILO, will manage the future contract for the provision of banking services once the agency is privatised next
spring, and will ensure the protection of market-sensitive data.
Subjects
Contracts; Banks; Executive agencies; Private sector; Privatisation; Paymaster General; Paymaster Agency; National Investment and Loans Office
Date
31 October 1996
Reference
2110; 284 c255W
House
House of Commons
What assessment he has made of the effect of the privatisation of the Paymaster Agency on the Treasury's access to information needed to monitor and control public expenditure. - Includes ref to 281 c372-3W and fact that a copy of report is in Library (DEP/3 3691).
What assessment he has made of the effect of the privatisation of the Paymaster Agency on the Treasury's access to information needed to monitor and control public expenditure. - Includes ref to 281 c372-3W and fact that a copy of report is in Library (DEP/3 3691).
Asked by
Andrew Smith
(Labour)
Answered by
Phillip Oppenheim
(Conservative)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
14 October 1996
Answered on
14 October 1996
Mr. Andrew Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect of the privatisation of the
Paymaster agency on the Treasury's access to information needed to monitor and control public expenditure; and if he will make a
statement. [39909]
Mr. Phillip Oppenheim: The Paymaster General announced on 15 July, Official Report, column 372, that he had accepted the
recommendations of the recently concluded prior options review of Paymaster, and the agency would be privatised. A copy of the
report is in the Library. It concluded that, to retain control over public expenditure and information on Exchequer balances, such
work should continue to be carried out within the public sector.
Subjects
Executive agencies; Privatisation; Paymaster Agency
Date
14 October 1996
Reference
39909; 282 c700W;282 c698W
House
House of Commons
If he will list the agencies for which he is responsible indicating for each the costs incurred for printing (a) all publications and (b) the annual report in the last available year. - Text of letter from Peter Bareau of National Savings, V E Lowe of Valuation Office, Tim Holt...
If he will list the agencies for which he is responsible indicating for each the costs incurred for printing (a) all publications and (b) the annual report in the last available year. - Text of letter from Peter Bareau of National Savings, V E Lowe of Valuation Office, Tim Holt...
Asked by
Anthony Steen
(Conservative)
Answered by
Angela Knight
(Conservative)
Answering body
Valuation Office Agency
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
23 July 1996
Answered on
23 July 1996
Subjects
Costs; Executive agencies; Annual reports; Government departments; Publications; Office for National Statistics; Treasury; Valuation Office Agency; Royal Mint; Department for National Savings; Paymaster Agency
Date
23 July 1996
Reference
38671; 282 c250-1W
House
House of Commons
Deposited by
Department of the Environment
Type
Deposited papers
Author
Department of the Environment
Committed on
16 July 1996
Originated on
15 July 1996
Received on
16 July 1996
Subjects
Executive agencies; Paymaster Agency
Commons Library location
Dep/3 3691
Lords Library location
HINF 96/1010
Date
16 July 1996
Reference
Dep/3 3691
House
House of Commons
Statement about the future of the Paymaster Agency. - Inc fact that report of prior options review has been placed in Library (DEP/3 3691).
Statement about the future of the Paymaster Agency. - Inc fact that report of prior options review has been placed in Library (DEP/3 3691).
Asked by
Matthew Banks
(Conservative)
Answered by
David Heathcoat-Amory
(Conservative)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
15 July 1996
Answered on
15 July 1996
Subjects
Banks; Executive agencies; Contracts for services; Employment; ICT; Private sector; Privatisation; Protection; Pensions; Efficiency scrutinies; Paymaster Agency
Date
15 July 1996
Reference
37789; 281 c372-3W;281 c371-2W
House
House of Commons
What measures her Department has implemented during the last 12 months to encourage the promotion of women into senior positions with his Department and its executive agencies; and what progress her Department has made in encouraging the promotion of women over the last five years. - Inc figs.
What measures her Department has implemented during the last 12 months to encourage the promotion of women into senior positions with his Department and its executive agencies; and what progress her Department has made in encouraging the promotion of women over the last five years. - Inc figs.
Asked by
Brian H Donohoe
(Labour)
Answered by
Angela Knight
(Conservative)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
1 July 1996
Answered on
1 July 1996
Subjects
Customs and Excise; Executive agencies; Civil servants; Civil service; Career development; Women; Employment; Equality; Inland Revenue; Government departments; Staff; Office for National Statistics; Treasury; Valuation Office Agency; Royal Mint; Department for National Savings; Paymaster Agency
Date
1 July 1996
Reference
31546; 280 c279-82W
House
House of Commons
What is the total number of people employed by each of the next step agencies under his control; how many of those employees are women; and at what Civil Service or equivalent grades they are employed. - Text of letter from R Holmes of Royal Mint, T Holt of Office...
What is the total number of people employed by each of the next step agencies under his control; how many of those employees are women; and at what Civil Service or equivalent grades they are employed. - Text of letter from R Holmes of Royal Mint, T Holt of Office...
Asked by
Baroness Jowell
(Labour)
Answered by
Angela Knight
(Conservative)
Answering body
Valuation Office Agency
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
20 June 1996
Answered on
20 June 1996
Subjects
Executive agencies; Civil servants; Civil service; Women; Employment; Government departments; Staff; Office for National Statistics; Treasury; Valuation Office Agency; Royal Mint; Paymaster Agency
Date
20 June 1996
Reference
32742; 279 c561-3W;279 c553-5W
House
House of Commons
If he will list for each of his agencies what market testing has been carried out into the services they provide and what were the results. - Text of letters from AJ Longford of Valuation Office, Roger Holmes of Royal Mint, Keith Sullens of Paymaster Agency and Tim Holt of...
If he will list for each of his agencies what market testing has been carried out into the services they provide and what were the results. - Text of letters from AJ Longford of Valuation Office, Roger Holmes of Royal Mint, Keith Sullens of Paymaster Agency and Tim Holt of...
Asked by
Martin Redmond
(Labour)
Answered by
Angela Knight
(Conservative)
Answering body
Valuation Office Agency
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
22 May 1996
Answered on
22 May 1996
Mr. Redmond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list for each of his agencies what market testing has been carried
out into the services they provide and what were the results.[30045]
Mrs. Angela Knight: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the chief executives of the Royal Mint, the Office
for National Statistics, the Valuation Office and Paymaster agencies. I have asked each of them to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from A.J. Longford to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 22 May 1996:
In your question to the Chancellor (ref: 30045) you ask what market testing has been carried out into the services provided by the
Agency and what were the results.
The Valuation Office is an Executive Agency within the Inland Revenue and carries out valuations of land and buildings for a wide
range of clients in the public sector throughout England, Wales and Scotland, including an estate surveying and valuation service
for other government departments, public bodies and local authorities.
The main functions of the Valuation Office are to: undertake rating and council tax valuation work in England and Wales; provide
valuation services to the Inland Revenue in England, Wales and Scotland mainly in connection with inheritance tax and capital gains
tax; provide various other statutory and non-statutory valuation services to Government Departments and the wider public sector in
England, Wales and Scotland; assess, make and recover contributions in lieu of rates in respect of Crown occupation of properties
within the United Kingdom, Isle of Man and Gibraltar and make payments of rates in respect of properties in the United Kingdom
occupied by overseas Governments; Provide policy advice to Government Departments and Ministers on property valuation matters.
The initiative to undertake market testing for non-statutory work rests with other government departments, public bodies and local
authorities and the Valuation Office responds by tendering on a regular basis for estate surveying and valuation services in
competition with the private sector.
Please let me know if I can assist further.
Letter from Roger Holmes to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 22 May 1996:
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply to your Question about market testing.
The Royal Mint has operated as a trading fund since 1 April 1975 and already runs on a commercial basis with normal private sector
disciplines rigorously applied. As a leading player in export markets with two-thirds of our sales overseas, all our sourcing
decisions must be commercial. In these circumstances the Royal Mint does not operate a formal market testing programme, but managers
review regularly whether goods and services should be provided internally or outsourced and, as a result, sub-contract or outsource
a wide range of items.
I trust my reply is helpful.
Letter from Keith Sullens to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 22 May 1996:
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply to your Question asking if he will list for each of his agencies what market
testing has been carried out into the services they provide and what were the results.
The following tables show what services PAYMASTER has had market tested and what the results were:
Banking business
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Service Market Tested Result
56 NHS Trusts and Health Authorities Either retained existing level of business or gained additional
business in some cases
Teachers' Pensions Agency Lost the banking transaction business but retained the vote
finding element
NHS Pensions Agency Retained
Countryside Council for Wales Retained
Further Education Funding Council Retained
Funding Agency for Schools Won
English Nature Part retained
BBSRC Part retained
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Pension services
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Service Market Tested Result
Teachers' Pensions Agency
Database and Payroll Services Retained
Customer Services Lost to in house bidder
NHS Pensions Agency
Pensioner Payroll and Administration Retained via subcontract with MDIS
Pensioner Administration Computer System Lost
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Letter from Tim Hold to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 22 May 1996:
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply to your Question of 17 May about market testing of services provided by the
Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The ONS was created as a new government department and executive agency on 1 April 1996. It brought together the Office of
Population Censuses and Surveys (OPCS) and the Central Statistical Office (CSO). This response provides information covering market
tests completed by March 1995. Competing for Quality figures for the period between April 1995 and March 1996 are being compiled for
the ONS Efficiency Plan. It is anticipated that this information will be published in the 1996 Next Steps Review.
CSO Market Testing Activities up to March 1995:
Activities included in the 1995 Next Steps Review
Catering Services
Retail Price Index (local price collection)
Statistical Methodology
Training
Other activities, not published in the 1995 Next Steps Review
Internal Audit
Graphic Design Services
Producer Price Index (computer development)
Four of these were awarded externally, three retained in-house.
OPCS Market Testing Activities up to March 1995:
Activities included in the 1995 Next Steps Review
Reprographics
London Housekeeping
Registration Bindery
Redevelopment of NHSCR IT system
Other activities not published in the 1995 Next Steps Review
Voice and Data Communications
One of these was awarded to the private sector, four were retained in-house.
Subjects
Executive agencies; Contracts for services; Government departments; Office for National Statistics; Treasury; Valuation Office Agency; Royal Mint; Paymaster Agency
Date
22 May 1996
Reference
30045; 278 c192-3W
House
House of Commons
What provision is available to employees of executive agencies under the control of his Department for (a) maternity leave, (b) maternity pay, (c) paternity leave, (d) parental leave, (e) flexible working hours, (f) part-time work, (g) job sharing, (h) leave to care for sick children, (i) home-working, (j) term-time contracts,...
What provision is available to employees of executive agencies under the control of his Department for (a) maternity leave, (b) maternity pay, (c) paternity leave, (d) parental leave, (e) flexible working hours, (f) part-time work, (g) job sharing, (h) leave to care for sick children, (i) home-working, (j) term-time contracts,...
Asked by
Baroness Jowell
(Labour)
Answered by
Angela Knight
(Conservative)
Answering body
Valuation Office Agency
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
7 May 1996
Answered on
7 May 1996
Ms Jowell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what provision is available to employees of executive agencies under the control
of his Department for (a) maternity leave, (b) maternity pay, (c) paternity leave, (d) parental leave, (e) flexible working hours,
(f) part-time work, (g) job sharing, (h) leave to care for sick children, (i) home-working, (j) term-time contracts, (k) annual
hours contracts, (l) workplace nurseries, (m) child care allowances, (n) carers' leave and (o) career break schemes; and what
criteria are used to judge eligibility in each case.[27595]
Mrs. Angela Knight: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the chief executives of the Royal Mint, the Office
for National Statistics, the Valuation Office and Paymaster agencies. I have asked each of them to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from A. J. Langford to Ms Tessa Jowell, dated 7 May 1996:
In your question to the Chancellor (ref 27595) you asked a number of questions relating to conditions of service within the Agency.
The following address the questions in the order posed:
a) Maternity leave: Women are entitled to three months and one week paid maternity leave if they:
have one year's cumulative employment (continuous or broken, casual or permanent)
are not employed on a casual basis or on a fixed term appointment of less than two years at the time the leave begins.
are not on unpaid leave at the time
can confirm in writing that they intend to return to work for the Agency after their baby has been born.
A further period of unpaid maternity leave may be taken subject to the total leave not exceeding fifty two weeks.
If the employee does not qualify for maternity leave the Agency allows up six months' unpaid leave to be taken during or following
pregnancy.
b)Maternity pay: The entitlement is three months and one week on full pay. Any further leave taken is unpaid.
c) Paternity leave: Men are entitled to two days paid leave which may be taken before or after the baby is born.
d) Parental leave: The Agency provides up to five days paid special leave in cases of urgent domestic distress, at any one occasion.
This is based on management discretion. Unpaid leave may be granted for longer periods.
e) Flexible working hours: The Agency operates a flexible working hours system which allows the employee to arrange their working
days to meet their domestic (at the discretion of management).
f) Part-time work: The Agency operates a part-time system with a minimum of fifteen working hours and a maximum of thirty hours per
week. The Agency, at the discretion of management, endeavours to meet the employees requests for their preferred hours of work.
g) Job-sharing: The Agency, at management's discretion, provides Job-sharing opportunities for staff wishing to work for only part
of the day.
h) Leave to care for sick children: The Agency may allow up to 5 days paid special leave in cases of care for sick children at any
one time. This is based on management discretion.
i) Home working: The Agency does not have this scheme.
j) Terms time contracts: The Agency does not have this scheme.
k) Annual hours contracts: The Agency does not have this scheme.
l) Workplace nurseries: The Agency does not have this scheme.
m) Child care allowances: If the employee is sent on a course by the Agency and has to pay additional monies for child care, the
Agency will pay up to £40 per week to help meet the costs.
n) Carers leave: The Agency does not grant paid leave to the employee when their carer is on holiday. The employee may be granted
special leave without pay. This is based on management discretion.
o) Career break schemes: The Agency allows up to five years unpaid leave for career breaks. This time is not pensionable however any
days that are worked for the Agency during this time are:
All criteria are set out in the VOA's Staff Handbook. Management's discretion applied in the circumstances identified above.
Please let me know if I can assist further.
Letter from Keith Sullens to Ms Tessa Jowell, dated 7 May 1996:
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply to your question about special leave etc arrangements.
The following provisions are available to PAYMASTER staff; (a) Maternity leave.
Leave to attend ante-natal care and up to 52 weeks paid and unpaid maternity leave.
(b) Maternity pay.
Three month's and one week's paid maternity leave providing the expectant woman has been working for one year at the start of the
maternity leave and intends to return to work. Statutory Maternity Pay is payable subject to the normal rules. (c) Paternity leave.
Two days paternity leave is allowed either at the time of the baby's birth or when the mother leaves hospital if this is more
beneficial for the family. (d) Parental leave.
Special leave may be granted to parents as necessary including for adoptive purposes. (e) Flexible working hours.
Flexible working hours are available to all staff at PAYMASTER including part-time staff. Staff may work their contractual hours
between 7.00am and 7.00pm. (f) Part-time work.
We are prepared to consider any part-time working arrangement providing it is acceptable to the individual's line management.
Currently 130 people work part-time representing 20% of all staff at PAYMASTER. (g) Job sharing.
Many of the part-time posts are held on a job share basis but this is not always a requirement for working part-time. (h) Leave to
care for sick children.
Parents may be allowed up to 5 days leave with pay to care for sick children. The amount of leave granted depends upon individual
circumstances. (i) Home-working.
We do not employ anyone on home working contracts. (j) Term time contracts.
We do not employ anyone on term time contracts. Several staff are employed on short notice contracts and one member of staff is
employed on a part-year basis. (k) Annual hours contract.
We do not employ anyone on annual hours contract. (l) Workplace nurseries.
PAYMASTER has a workplace nursery with 27 places. (m) Child care allowances.
We do not have any plans to introduce child care allowances. (n) Carers leave.
Short term care may be provided by short periods of special leave with and without pay. For long term care a career break of up to
five years may be allowed. (o) Career break.
PAYMASTER career break schemes are available to either men or women who have domestic responsibilities which are difficult to
combine with work. To qualify for a career break staff must be employed on a permanent basis, have completed probation and have
satisfactory performance and attendance records.
Letter from Tim Holt to Ms Tessa Jowell, dated 7 May 1996:
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply to your Question on the provisions made available to employees of executive
agencies under the control of his Department as far as it relates to the Office for National Statistics.
On 1 April 1996 the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys (OPCS) merged with the Central Statistical Office (CSO) to form a new
executive agency--the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Prior to the merger, both departments operated flexible working
practices and made provision for special leave for their employees for the purposes of maternity, paternity and other domestic
responsibilities.
Like its predecessors, ONS is committed to being an equal opportunities employer which aims to provide working environment where
no-one is unfairly discriminated against and where staff feel valued. To this end ONS has made provision for: alternative working
practices; special leave of absence; and special childcare arrangements for its staff. Some of the details of these provisions are
still the subject of discussion with our departmental trades union side, but the broad outline is detailed below:
Alternative Working Practices
A wide range of alternative working patterns are supported throughout the agency, including part-time working, job sharing,
home-working (both formal and informal), and nil-hours contracts. In addition a flexible working hours system is in operation on
each site. Other alternative working practices, such as term-time working and annual hours contracts, are also possible, though they
are not in use in ONS at present. Alternative working practices are available for all ONS staff where the nature of the work allows.
Special Leave of Absence
ONS operates statutory rules on maternity leave and pay for all pregnant employees regardless of length of service or hours of work.
In addition, more generous levels of pay and leave are available for staff depending on their length of service. For example,
permanent employees with one year's service or more are entitled to 14 weeks full pay and up to 52 weeks maternity absence. Two days
paid paternity leave is available for permanent employees.
Special leave, both paid and unpaid, is granted to staff in order to care for sick children or elderly dependents and is also
granted for adoption purposes and a wide range of other domestic responsibilities. In addition, ONS operates a Career Break Scheme
of one to five years for staff with significant domestic responsibilities. All permanent staff are eligible to apply for special
leave. Special leave for some domestic circumstances is also made available for casual staff with a minimum of three months service.
Each case is considered on its own merits.
Special Childcare Arrangements
ONS provides, or buys into, a subsidised holiday placement scheme at all locations, opens to the children of all ONS employees. At
the Newport site it has also been possible to make provision for a subsidised nursery. ONS staff are reimbursed for the cost of
additional child care expenses where these are incurred as a result of official business outside of normal working hours.
ONS strives to give all employees the opportunity to develop their full potential and will continue to make provisions, wherever
practicable, to facilitate individual members of staff who have particular responsibilities for dependents and require alternative
working patterns or special arrangements.
I hope you find this reply helpful.
Letter from Roger Holmes to Ms Tessa Jowell, dated 7 May 1996:
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply to your Question about provisions available to Royal Mint employees.
The details as applicable to the Royal Mint are as follows: (a) Maternity leave: See Annex A. (b) Maternity pay: 14 weeks paid
leave, plus up to a further 37 weeks unpaid leave. (c) Paternity leave: 2 days paid leave. (d) Parental leave: Nil. (e) Flexible
working hours: Available to all employees not directly involved in continuous production work, which involves 24 hour cover, 365
days per year. A regular feature in other areas. (f) Part-time working: Available to all employees. All requests to date have been
accommodated. (g) Job Sharing: As (f) above.. (h) Leave to care for sick children: Each case judged separately on its merits. Up to
5 days paid leave available for domestic emergencies.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
\ Currently under consideration by an in-house working party on
(i) Home-working: Nil | alternative working patterns.
(j) Term-time contracts: Nil |
(k) Annual hours contracts: Nil |
/
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
(l) Workplace nurseries: Survey recently undertaken. Not a requirement by staff. (m) Child care allowances: Nil. (n) Carers leave:
Each case decided on its merits. All requests to date have been accommodated--both male and female.
I trust my reply is helpful.
Royal Mint Maternity Leave
The EC Pregnant Workers Directive 92/85 and the Trade Union Reform and Employment Rights Act 1993 provides the right to all pregnant
women, regardless of length of service, to 14 weeks paid maternity leave.
If taken ill during pregnancy paid sick absence may be authorised in the normal way. However, sick pay is not issuable once paid or
unpaid maternity leave has commenced.
The entitlement of maternity leave covers 14 weeks paid leave plus a further 37 weeks unpaid leave. Depending on the timing of the
leave, there may be an entitlement to a further 4 weeks Statutory
Maternity Pay.
When employees give notice of their impending absence on maternity leave they must state in writing their intention of returning to
work not less than 37 weeks from the week in which the baby is born.
Employees must give at least 7 days notice, in writing, of their intended date of return.
Whether an employee decides to return to work or not an employee may change her mind at later date. (i) If an employee changes her
mind and decides to return to work, provided she returns not later than 41 weeks after the week of confinement, her resignation may
be cancelled and her service may be treated as maternity leave. (ii) If an employee decides not to return she will have to repay the
difference between what she was paid and what she was entitled to (currently 6 weeks pay). (iii) An employee who wishes to change to
part-time duties following maternity leave, cannot demand this of right. Departments will, however, endeavour to assist as work
priorities dictate.
It is a requirement of law that a certificate stating the `expected date of confinement' is supplied to the employers, before
maternity pay/leave be granted.
Subjects
Contracts; Executive agencies; Employment; Government departments; Maternity pay; Paternity leave; Maternity leave; Part-time employment; Nurseries; Office for National Statistics; Treasury; Valuation Office Agency; Royal Mint; Career breaks; Paymaster Agency; Compassionate leave
Date
7 May 1996
Reference
27595; 277 c10-3W
House
House of Commons
When he plans to announce the results of his review into the work of the Paymaster General Agency. - Ref to 274 c53-5W.
When he plans to announce the results of his review into the work of the Paymaster General Agency. - Ref to 274 c53-5W.
Asked by
Lord Hanson of Flint
(Labour)
Answered by
David Heathcoat-Amory
(Conservative)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
22 March 1996
Answered on
22 March 1996
Mr. Hanson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to announce the results of his review into the work of the
Paymaster Agency.[21442]
Mr. Heathcoat-Amory: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer that I gave to the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. Redmond) 18 March
1996, Official Report, column 53-55.
Subjects
Paymaster Agency
Date
22 March 1996
Reference
21442; 274 c353W
House
House of Commons
If the staff of the Paymaster Agency were consulted before the announcement of its privatisation; and various other questions on same.
If the staff of the Paymaster Agency were consulted before the announcement of its privatisation; and various other questions on same.
Asked by
Martin Redmond
(Labour)
Answered by
David Heathcoat-Amory
(Conservative)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
18 March 1996
Answered on
18 March 1996
Subjects
Privatisation; Paymaster Agency
Date
18 March 1996
Reference
274 c53-5W; 20610;20607;20600;20669;20665;20611;20609;20606;20654
House
House of Commons
If he will comment on discussions held between his Department and that of the Paymaster General regarding the impact of the prior options review of Paymaster on the administration and payment of Civil Service pensions.
If he will comment on discussions held between his Department and that of the Paymaster General regarding the impact of the prior options review of Paymaster on the administration and payment of Civil Service pensions.
Asked by
Lord Foster of Bishop Auckland
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Freeman
Answering body
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
5 March 1996
Answered on
5 March 1996
Subjects
Civil service; Contracts for services; Pensions; Paymaster Agency
Date
5 March 1996
Reference
19055; 273 c111-2W
House
House of Commons
What is his estimate of the annual cost to his Department and his Department's agencies and non-departmental public bodies of their empty and under utilised properties for (a) 1979-80, (b) 1989-90, (c) 1991-92, (d) 1993-94, (e) 1994-95, (f) 1995-96 and (g) 1996-97. - Including figures and ref to 270 c648-9W....
What is his estimate of the annual cost to his Department and his Department's agencies and non-departmental public bodies of their empty and under utilised properties for (a) 1979-80, (b) 1989-90, (c) 1991-92, (d) 1993-94, (e) 1994-95, (f) 1995-96 and (g) 1996-97. - Including figures and ref to 270 c648-9W....
Asked by
Lord Bruce of Bennachie
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Angela Knight
(Conservative)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
5 February 1996
Answered on
5 February 1996
Subjects
Costs; Executive agencies; Empty property; Government departments; Non-departmental public bodies; Public buildings; Treasury; Royal Mint; Paymaster Agency; Central Statistical Office
Date
5 February 1996
Reference
11450; 271 c12W
House
House of Commons
How many Civil Service appointments were made to administrative assistant and administrative officer posts in his Department and the agencies for which he is accountable in each quarter from September 1993 until April 1995. - Tables given (holding answer 1 May 1995).
How many Civil Service appointments were made to administrative assistant and administrative officer posts in his Department and the agencies for which he is accountable in each quarter from September 1993 until April 1995. - Tables given (holding answer 1 May 1995).
Asked by
Nick Ainger
(Labour)
Answered by
Anthony Nelson
(Conservative)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
22 May 1995
Answered on
22 May 1995
Subjects
Executive agencies; Civil servants; Civil service; Government departments; Recruitment; Treasury; Valuation Office Agency; Royal Mint; Paymaster Agency; Central Statistical Office
Date
22 May 1995
Reference
260 c468-9W
House
House of Commons