§ Mr. Williamsasked the Minister for the Civil Service how many of the employees at the Government communications headquarters were recruited locally; how many vacancies exist locally in the Civil Service and at what grade; and how many vacancies would be expected to arise from natural causes in the next 12 months.
§ Mr. HayhoeIt has been the policy of successive Governments not to comment on the number of posts or staff employed at the Government communications headquarters.
§ Mr. Williamsasked the Minister for the Civil Service whether any workers at Government communications headquarters who refuse to leave their trade union, and who also refuse to move home if compulsorily transferred, will be treated as voluntary redundant workers or would qualify for redundancy pay.
§ Mr. HayhoeAny staff in grades to which the mobility obligation applies — executive officer and equivalent level and above—who refuse to move to an alternative suitable post anywhere in the service will have their employment terminated in accordance with normal procedures. They will not be treated as redundant, nor will they be entitled to any compensation. Those over the minimum retiring age will be entitled to the immediate payment of their accrued Civil Service superannuation benefits. Those under this age will have their superannuation benefits preserved until they reach the retiring age.