HC Deb 08 May 1923 vol 163 cc2159-60
75. Mr. PIELOU

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the hours of employment in Government offices for all clerical grades; if overtime work has to be done; and, if so, whether increased payment is made and at what rate?

Major BOYD - CARPENTER

The normal hours of attendance for the general clerical classes in London headquarter offices are seven a day. In provincial offices generally, where a large proportion of the clerical staff is employed, the normal hours are eight a day. The higher grade of the clerical class, and all classes above the clerical class, are not eligible for overtime pay. As regards classes eligible for overtime pay, payment is only made for necessary overtime duly authorised by a responsible officer, and, in the case of classes with a normal seven-hour day, only hours above 42 in a week may be counted as overtime. The rates for classes eligible for overtime pay after 42 hours a week are as laid down in Award 118 of the Civil Service Arbitration Board, namely: Time rate and a quarter for the first 12 hours of overtime (i.e., from 42 to 54 hours a week). Time rate and a half for the next six hours of overtime. Double rate thereafter. Analogous arrangements apply to staffs conditioned to a longer working week.