HC Deb 23 July 1981 vol 9 cc229-30W
Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what contingency plan he has to deal with the problems arising at the employment office at Chancel House, Neasden Lane, NW10 in consequence of the shortage of blank Girocheques.

Mr. Waddington

There is no shortage of blank Girocheques at Willesden unemployment benefit office. The stock held there is sufficient for a further four weeks of payments and additional supplies are readily available. The problem of non-payment of benefit to unemployed people in the Willesden area has arisen only because 57 staff out of a total of 60 are refusing to use these Girocheques. Offices of the Department of Health and Social Security at Neasden, Cricklewood and Harlesden are making emergency payments to unemployed people in the area who are in need.

Mr. Pavitt asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many claimants will be unable to receive benefit this week from his office at Chancel House, Neasden Lane, NW 10; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waddington

There are 7,400 unemployed people who receive their benefit payments from Willesden unemployment benefit office, of whom 3,750 were due to receive payments in the week ending 25 July. The official strike since 15 July by 57 of the 60 staff will prevent payment until there is a return to work. The Neasden, Cricklewood and Harlesden local offices of the Department of Health and Social Security are open and ready to make emergency payments to unemployed people in the Willesden area who are in need. I deplore this official industrial action, which is causing concern to unemployed people.

Mr. Pavitt asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many employees at Chancel House, Neasden lane, NW10 have been suspended; what is his estimate of the loss of pay which will be incurred; and if he will seek to improve the situation by negotiation with a view to reaching a settlement.

Mr. Waddington

None, but 57 staff have been on strike since 15 July.

For each day they are on strike, staff will lose on average about £14.

A response is awaited to the revised pay offer which has been made to Civil Service unions.