§ Dr. MurrisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 19 November, 183W ref. 81662, which employment legislation is driving the abolition of the Retired Officer Scheme; what measures have been taken to recruit into military support posts; and how the terms and conditions of service of those that would have been recruited into the Retired Officer Scheme will be affected by the new arrangements. [82881]
§ Dr. MoonieThe EC Directive on fixed term work places restraints upon the use of fixed term appointments for retired officers, the current method of employment. Following agreement with all key stakeholders, preparations are in hand to make the first appointment by fair and open competition to a military support post in early 2003.
Normal civil service terms and conditions will apply with, exceptionally, a normal retirement age of 65 as an expedient to help to overcome the current manning deficit.