§ Mr. Moonmanasked the Postmaster-General what discussions he has had since 1st October, 1968 with the Post Office trade unions on the new grading structure.
§ Mr. StonehouseMy officials have held five meetings with the Reorganisation Committee of the Post Office Staff Sides to discuss proposals for a new salary structure for staff occupying positions at middle and senior levels of management. These were in continuation of discussions begun at the end of January 1968. In addition, there have been discussions on the development of a job evaluation system to be used in establishing the new salary structure.
§ Mr. Moonmanasked the Postmaster-General what specific proposals he has put to the trade unions in the Post Office on the new grading structure.
§ Mr. StonehouseProposals for a new salary structure covering staff at middle and senior levels of management have been put to the staff. A number of staff associations have made varying proposals for reorganising the grading structure at the lower levels. These are under consideration as part of a study we are making of the grading changes necessary to prepare for Corporation status. This is an important but complicated matter300W as we have a large number of different grades, but I expect discussions to begin with the staff in the near future. We have, however, already been able to tell the Union of Post Office Workers that we do not expect in the context of Corporation status to propose any changes for a number of grades they represent covering some 180,000 staff.