§ Mr. ToddTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his policy on whether to increase the proportion of Benefits Agency staff on casual or fixed-term contract basis; and what assessment has been made of the consequent impact on morale and staff quality. [7988]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyModernising the social security system is a key priority of the Government, We will streamline services to provide better, simpler, more efficient services to clients. The staffing of the Benefits Agency is a matter for Peter Mathison, its chief executive, I have asked him to write the hon. Member.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Mark Todd, dated 31 July 1997:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what is the policy on increasing the proportion of Benefit Agency (BA) staff on casual or fixed term contract basis; and what assessment has been made of the consequent impact on morale and staff quality.The use of casual and fixed term appointments (FTA) has always been an integral part of our staff planning to allow managers to cater for fluctuations in workloads and to staff short term projects.Although no formal assessment has been made of the impact of these measures, the Agency recognises that some FTA and casual staff may feel insecure. The Agency has to strike a balance between the needs of the business and those of the workforce. Both FTA and casual staff are given comprehensive training equivalent to that provided for permanent staff. They are also included in the Agency's performance appraisal arrangements to ensure that they remain motivated, that their development needs are identified and that their potential is maximised.