§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many cases of work-related stress have been reported in his Department; how much compensation has been paid to employees; how many work days have been lost due to work-related stress, and at what cost; what procedures have been put in place to reduce work-related stress, and at what cost, in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [35937]
§ Mr. McCartneyWe do not record details of absences specifically related to work-related stress or details of compensation payments by the alleged cause of the injury.
We have procedures in place in each of its businesses to enable managers and individuals to identify and report those issues which are causing uncomfortable pressure at work. The detail of the procedures differs across the businesses, but the Department is confident that each procedure follows the good practice recommended by the Health and Safety Executive. The cost of operating these procedures includes variable amounts of management and staff time, plus the costs of implementing changes and adjustments to control any identified risks. These costs are not quantifiable.
The Department intends, in the summer, to review the procedures in place across its businesses to ensure a continuum of best practice.
§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment has been made of the effect of the Working Time Directive on his Department's employees; how many employees are working in excess of 48 hours per week; what steps he is taking to reduce this number; and if he will make a statement. [35893]
§ Mr. McCartneyThe Department for Work and Pensions is committed to improving the work-life balance of all staff, and is fully committed to implementing the provisions of the Working Time Directive. With this in mind, we are currently negotiating the detailed provisions of a collective agreement which includes measures aimed1264W at minimising the numbers of staff working in excess of 48 hours per week, while maintaining operational effectiveness. Departmental records show that in 1999, 54 staff had signed a waiver to say they were working in excess of 48 hours.
§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people are employed in his Department on a job share contract; and what percentage of vacant positions was advertised on this basis in the last 12 months. [35354]
§ Mr. McCartneyThe information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is as follows.
10 people are employed on a formal job share basis. However, over 30,000 people work part-time, including some who are employed on an informal job share basis.
Our equal opportunities statement actively promotes and supports the use of flexible working patterns to enable those working for us to balance home and work responsibilities. Vacancies are open to people with different working patterns unless real operational needs preclude it.