§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many staff in his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies receive paid leave to undertake union duties; how many days they are allocated; and what has been the cost to public funds in each of the last four years. [36204]
§ Dr. John ReidThe figures are as follows:
For Civil Servants
- In 1998, 19 staff received paid leave to undertake union duties. The total days taken were 56 at a cost of £2,511.
- In 1999, 14 staff received paid leave to undertake union duties. The total days taken were 56 at a cost of £2,348.
769W - In 2000, nine staff received paid leave to undertake union duties. The total days taken were 49 at a cost of £2,036.
- In 2001, 11 staff received paid leave to undertake union duties. The total days taken were 43 at a cost of £1,960.
- Local paid absence from work is granted where the duties are of a limited extent (normally for absences of up to half a day). Paid special leave may also be granted within the limit for each leave year of 15 days.
For Prison Officers
- The Prison Officers Association has 31 staff who receives paid leave for union duties, and a full-time area chairman. The Prison Governors Association has six staff who receive paid leave for union duties.
- In 1998, staff spent a total of 7,391.30 hours on union duties at a cost of £120,478.
- In 1999, staff spent a total of 7,863.00 hours on union duties at a cost of £131,390.
- In 2000, staff spent a total of 7,066.30 hours on union duties at a cost of £122,247.
- Figures are not yet available for 2001.
- The annual facility time entitlement for the Prison Officers Association, excluding the area chairman, is 572 days. In addition, other accredited representatives are afforded time off (no set figure) for trade union activities to meet local requirements.
- The annual facility time entitlement for the Prison Officers Association is 44 days.