§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received on the pay settlement awarded to the non-industrial sector at his Department; and if he will make a statement. [77041]
§ Dr. MoonieI have received eight letters on this issue. The Ministry of Defences' decision to implement the 2002 pay offer followed ballots by the three unions concerned in which a majority of votes cast were in favour of the deal. The award introduces new pay arrangements from August 2002, including bonuses to reward the best performers for their contribution to Ministry of Defence business during the year. Similar arrangements are being introduced for industrial staff following a separate ballot which also produced a majority in favour of acceptance.
§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to conduct a pay audit on the non-industrial staff of his Department; and if he will make a statement. [77042]
§ Dr. MoonieThe Ministry of Defence is conducting an equal pay review of its civilian pay systems and will prepare an appropriate action plan by April 2003. All Government Departments are going through this process, in line with Cabinet Office guidance. The work is being taken forward in full consultation with, and the involvement of, the trades unions.