HC Deb 10 May 1978 vol 949 cc514-5W
Mr. Moate

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the hourly rates for stand-by allowances for members of the ambulance service; how dependent the service is upon this voluntary arrangement, particularly in the more rural areas; and if he is satisfied with the adequacy of these scales of remuneration.

Mr. Deakins

Allowances for standby duty agreed by the ambulance men's Whitley Council are:

£
Weekdays 0.68
Saturdays and free days 1.02
Sundays and rest days 1.36
Public holidays 1.36

The rates are for standing by at home for a period of eight hours or less, with a pro rata payment for any period over eight hours. In addition, work performed during a stand-by period is paid for at double plain time or time and a half in accordance with the overtime rules. Stand-by arises predominantly in rural areas where 24-hour emergency cover by shift working is not viable. Rates of payment are a matter for negotiation between the trade union and management sides of the Whitley Council.