§ 66. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he has taken to recruit additional staff for local offices, in view of the representations made to him by existing staff concerning the increase in their work load.
§ Sir K. JosephFollowing a comprehensive agreement with the staff associations, 4,000 extra permanent posts have been added to the complements of local offices of the Department. Of these, 1,500 additional posts are for growth in activity and the remaining 2,500 are to reduce the dependence which the Department has in the past placed on the employment of casual staff and the use of overtime.
An extensive recruiting campaign has been mounted and selection boards have started to interview applicants.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on his meeting with representatives of Civil Service unions on Monday, 18th September, on the subject of pressure on staff paying out benefit.
§ Sir K. JosephNo such meeting took place. But following discussions between my senior officials and staff association representatives on 18th September and subsequently, a comprehensive agreement was reached under which 4,000 extra permanent posts have been added to the complements of local social security offices. The agreement also provides a review of the Department's staffing procedures; improvements in training arrangements and in the physical conditions of local offices; and a study aimed at simplifying and improving work methods.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will give a list of those persons employed in his Department or for whom he has ministerial responsibility who were, on 23rd October, receiving salaries or wages of £28.40 per week; what were their grades or classifications; and whether, in these cases, rent allowances were paid in addition to these incomes.
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§ Sir K. JosephIt would not be possible to provide this information without undue cost.