§ Mr. Cohenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations and service improvement claims have been received from trade unions in respect of parental leave and leave for family reasons in the employment sector for which the Government are directly responsible; what has been the Government's response; if he has any plans to improve service conditions in this area; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayhoeThere have been no representations or claims for improvement from the Civil Service trade unions in respect of parental leave as such. Departments have discretion to allow civil servants special leave for family reasons in accordance with rules set out in paragraphs 685–688 of the Civil Service Pay and Conditions of Service Code of which there is a copy in the Library. These rules have recently been revised following representations from the Council of Civil Service Unions. The revisions were intended mainly to clarify the existing rules with a view to improving consistency of practice between one department and another. I have no plans for further improvements in this area.