§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many computer posts within the National Health Service offering salaries of between £10,000 and £20,000 are currently vacant; and what steps he intends to take to match levels of pay for such posts to those awarded for similar posts in the private sector.
§ Mr. WhitneyInformation is not available in the form requested.
In a report specially commissioned by regional health authority chairmen and published earlier this month, it was stated that there was a 15 per cent. overall vacancy level in National Health Service systems development staff and that there were indications that this was rising. As a result, the administrative and clerical staffs Whitley Council has been asked to review its agreements as they relate to computer staff with a view to alleviating the present problems of recruitment and retention. As an interim measure, last year's pay settlement in the Whitley Council increased existing allowances paid to computer staff and created additional entitlements.