HC Deb 17 April 1961 vol 638 cc61-2W
Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many temporary clerks in his Department have been made redundant in North Staffordshire recently; why this action is being taken; what compensation those involved will receive; and how their work will be undertaken in the future.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Since November, 1960, thirteen temporary clerks have become redundant in four National Insurance Offices—Hanley, Tunstall, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Longton—in the North Staffordshire area in consequence of the recruitment of established staff through Civil Service Commission Competitions.

There is statutory provision for the award of gratuities to temporary clerks who have been continuously employed for not less than five years. The amount of a gratuity depends upon the length of service and is subject to a maximum of one year's pay. Of the thirteen temporary officers involved, nine have qualified for a gratuity, but four have insufficient qualifying service.

The work of the discharged temporary clerks is being undertaken by the newly recruited established staff.