HC Deb 27 November 1946 vol 430 cc324-5W
Mr. Diamond

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a statement about the introduction of a guaranteed week in Government industrial establishments.

Mr. Dalton

Yes, Sir; after discussions on the Joint Co-ordinating Committee for Government Industrial Establishments, agreement has been reached for the introduction of a guaranteed week in those establishments, subject to certain conditions. The following is a copy of the agreement:

Memorandum of Agreement between the Official and Trade Union sides of the Joint Co-ordinating Committee for Government Industrial Establishments.

Guaranteed Week tr. Government Industrial Establishments

It is agreed that the following provisions are applicable in respect of the introduction of a guaranteed week:

  1. (a) All Government industrial employees whose conditions of service provide for at least one week's notice of discharge shall be guaranteed wages equivalent to their plain time rate for the weekly hours to which they are normally conditioned, provided that they are capable of, available for and willing to perform satisfactorily, during working hours, the work associated with their usual occupation, or reasonable alternative work where their usual work is not available
  2. (b) For the purpose of this guarantee premium payments for overtime worked on weekdays and premium payments for work done on Sundays and holidays shall be disregarded.
  3. (c) The guarantee does not apply in the following circumstances:
    1. (i) In the case of an unpaid holiday recognised by agreement, custom or practice, the guarantee shall be reduced in respect of the pay week in which the holiday takes place in the same proportion as the normal working hours for the time being have been reduced it that pay week.
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    2. (ii) In the event of a dislocation of work as a result of strike action the guarantee shall be automatically suspended in respect of work people affected in the establishment where the strike is taking place.
  4. (d) Where the employment of a worker covered by this agreement is terminated for reasons other than misconduct, e.g. redundancy or where the worker wishes to leave, the duration of notice given shall be at least one week.

J. A. BARLOW.

Signed on behalf of the Official Side of the Joint Co-ordinating Committee.

W. D. Goss.

Signed on behalf of the Trade Union Side of the Joint Co-ordinating Committee.

Treasury Chambers,

Whitehall.

25th October, 1946.